We were given-little kittens and put them in our lockers, Sister Blandina took them got Mr. White one of the old men who lived at Nazareth House to kill them and then she brought them back up to us dead in a sack. She tipped the little kittens out and told us that if we get any more she would do the same thing to them. So how could we learn about love and kindness when we were shown only cruelty, pain, hate and abuse. I can understand today why the kittens are killed but to kill them deliberately because they were the only things we ever had to love and because they were ours.

     BRIDE OF CHRIST.

There was one thing I hope to be when I was a child and that was to become a nun. But I knew deep down that the nuns would never pick me, because of how I was brought up. Then later on in my early 20s, I wrote away to the Sisters of the Home of Compassion.

I wanted to serve God and to help the poor, who needed love and understanding.

I wanted to bring the poor children of the world, to Jesus and Mary, so they could see their pain and sorrow. Then give me the strength to help them to love again.

To give the children the gift of hope, for a better life.

I was never accepted into the convent. It was a bitter blow to me. But I never gave up on helping children and anyone who needed help over the years. To give what you can and to see a smile after, is what makes me happy.

TOLETS DOWN STAIRS.

The toilets were also beside the cellar with three little ones and a big one

and they always got blocked up with the hard paper which we had to cut up. I had to put my hands down the toilets with out gloves and get all the shit and paper out and this happened everyday.

                     CHILDLDREN of MARY.

I wore a long white frock, a white veil with a long blue satin cloak, which

floated behind me. A medal on a blue ribbon, which would keep me pure, until I got married. I now know it meant that I would not have sex and that I would be a Virgin, keep myself pure and free from the mortal sin of sex.

It was also at this time I made a pledge of not to intake of any alcohol, until I was 24years. You know I did not know what alcohol was, until years later after I left. Then each year in May, we all walked in procession, singing Hymns, like.

"0 Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today" "Queen of the Angels, and Queen of the May"

              Then

"Hail Queen of Heaven, Thee Ocean Star" Star of Wonder, here below."

These were the times I loved best at the orphanages, It was like a fantasy world.

All us girls dressed up in our best and walking around singing Hymns, to Mary

my mother. I forgot about the tight shoes, which were causing me extreme pain and blisters.

CHURCH PEACHES.

In the Summer time when the church peaches were ripe for the pickings. And because I was weak, timid and shy. I was one of the girls who was pushed into stealing them.

As we walked passed the church in procession, I would look around and then like a flash. In and out of the line, to the peach tree, I would go. One peach is not enough for the girls, so over I would go for more and fill my pants up with these beautiful church peaches.

Wobble! Wobble! Wobble! around my pants the juicy peaches went. OOP's one has fallen out. I am done for now. Not yet.

These peaches are getting heavy in my big black bloomers. They have slipped down past my knees, I am going to lose my pants along with the peaches. Just as well my gym-frock is too long. Oh no! another one has fallen out of my pants, and then the rest of them.

I am caught this time. I am lined up to be put across the bed that night.