I spent six of the last seven years working with the Foyer de Sion orphanage in Haiti. Seven of my 13 children are from this orphanage. To say that I am passionate about Foyer de Sion and Haiti is an understatement. The 300+ children there, are a part of my heart, and Guesno and Majorie Mardy, the founders and directors of the orphanage, are like family to me.
Earlier this year I heard about riots in Haiti caused by escalating food prices, and I wrote a poem about it, Nine Pounds and Thirty-Five Dollars. My sister, Charlie on AD, wanted to know what she could do to help. A couple of weeks later she called to tell me that she and our brother, Leo Durrant, had been talking with our dad and had an idea of writing a book in tribute to our late mother, with the proceeds of the book being donated to Foyer de Sion. Further conversations with our dad resulted in the donation of printing costs so that ALL proceeds (other than for taxes and shipping) could be donated to Foyer. THANKS, Dad!!
I can’t really begin to explain how much it has meant to me to be involved in this project… not only have I been able to share the feelings of my heart about my mom, but this project will benefit another part of my heart…A win-win situation!!
We will receive the finished book, The Gravy Queen, next week… I can't wait to hold a copy in my hands, but more importantly, I can't wait to hand off the funds to my dear friends, Guesno and Majorie. I have great hope that it will sell well, so that my "children" in Haiti will benefit greatly. I hope that this, in some small way, will repay Foyer de Sion for all they have done for me and my family...
You may still wonder how a book that tributes my mother can be linked to Haiti. Maybe the following story will help with that explanation... I returned from a 10 day trip to Haiti in early October 2006. The next morning I received a phone call from Charlie. She told me that Mom had just been rushed to the hospital after collapsing. Within 18 hours, she passed away... I called Guesno in tears, partially to let him know that I would not be available for work for the following two weeks, but also knowing that he would want to know. I can not begin to express how much it meant to me when he immediately asked for the funeral arrangement information so that he could travel all the way from Haiti to Idaho to pay his last respects to her. He had only met her three times, and yet...he felt it was important to come. That is the kind of person he is, and that is the kind of person my mom was... She had that affect on so many...welcoming them with an open heart and loving all she knew. That is why this book, although a tribute to my mom, is also for the children of Foyer de Sion... for they were a part of her heart as well...
Take care,
William