Four Waifs on our Doorstep

Trisha Merry

Apr 2015 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

When no one cares, who will pick up the pieces of abused children’s lives?

At eleven o' clock one night in 1997, four hungry, damaged young children arrive on foster carers Trisha and Mike Merry's doorstep. Two social workers dropped them off with nothing but the ragged clothes they were wearing and no information. The children were covered in bruises, two had black eyes, one had a broken arm and they were all scratching themselves.

Starved, seriously neglected and abused in every way, four young siblings have been repeatedly overlooked by everyone who should have cared. The eldest scavenges for food by night and is exhausted from trying to protect his sisters, his baby brother and himself from serious parental neglect and the perilous attentions of frequent paedophile visitors.

From the start, these four children challenge Trisha and Mike to extremes. Despite all their experience over many years, they wonder if they have met their match. Yet, from that very first night, this couple's unbounded love and care and their unbelievable determination surmount all the obstacles that follow. The shocking truth about the children's home lives is beyond anything Trish and Mike have experienced, yet through their formidable efforts, their unshakeable belief in the children, and their (almost) unfailing sense of humour, they are able to turn around four young lives from tragedy to hope.

Ratings and reviews

I felt all the emotions of this account of four children becoming part of their forever family. I cried so hard at the part of the story when the connection with Stacey was being reformed. I'm pleased it ended well for the entire family. Excellently written. I couldn't put this book down, I wanted to know what was going to happen next. A must read.

A challenging book to read.written by the mother who adopted some very damaged children.with lots of love,patience,laughter and tears they loved these children to help them overcome the terrible start they had to life.thank goodness they never gave up.we need more people who can love children and direct their feet to the path that leads to healing.a great encouraging read.

Very sad story, but inspiring with happy end. Addictive, couldnt put it down read over two evenings. Very well written cant wait for next book! :-)

About the author

Trisha Merry is the pseudonym of a retired, award-winning foster carer based in central England. She lives with her husband, her youngest adopted daughter and son, four rescue dogs and two rescue cats. Over the past fifty years, she has cared for hundreds of children, adopting seven of them along the way.