First the Fire, Then the Lie

This story takes place in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, in the early fifties. Elaine was a happy, playful five-year-old living with her single mom and four older sisters. Then tragedy suddenly struck home. A short time later, her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia and chronic depression. As a result of her mother's illness, Elaine and her sisters were separated and placed in foster homes. After several temporary stays with her grandparents and other relatives, she became the property of the state of Colorado, placed permanently into the foster care system. After years of trying to trust the system, Elaine was transferred to an orphanage. It was for colored children located in another city many miles from her friends and familiar surroundings. After years of suppressing the dark fires and lies of her haunting memories, Elaine found strength in forgiveness and love, and now she has opened up to the world to share her challenges, hoping in some small way others will draw strength from her stories of survival.