Debi
My name is Debi Gevry Ellsworth. I spent ten years (1964 - 1974) in the hell hole known as St Joseph’s Orphanage. My number was 24. In all honest I haven’t a clue how I survived the hatred and abuse at St. Joseph’s but I have. My brother (Ronald Paul Gevry, #2, 1961 - 1995) was not so fortunate. May he rest in peace.
I never understood when I was told, “Life is what you make of it.” How could that be when I was continually told I would amount to nothing at all? Can you make something from nothing? Despite the teachings and the torture of the nuns I have learned to love and laugh and to hold my children close. I have learned to live and I am forever grateful for all I have met on this journey called life. May God bless you all.
Oral History Clips:
WARNING: Explicit Content
"There were so many things that were done to me..."
Length- 2:34 Explicit
"I couldn't believe when we got out of there"
Length- 3:37 Explicit
"I've been doing a lot of writing--a lot of poetry, a lot of stories"
Length- 1:22
Full Oral History
Length- 58:10