We Were the Morris Orphans: 4 Brothers, 5 Sisters & Me

by Kathi Morris

When a drunk driver orphans ten children, their plea to stay together sparks international news—and prompts a trust fund that attracts corrupt and abusive fostering.

“They’re not dead, are they?” The officer’s body visibly slumped as he delivered his final nod.

From that July day in 1968 on, the Morris family became the Morris ten children who attracted nationwide attention, and a trust fund that didn’t bring out the best in those who fostered them. Kathi, the oldest, was only seventeen when her parents were killed by a drunk driver. This is her story—behind the headlines—of when the Morris orphans only had their mutual loss and each other.

Genres: Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2021

Reviews

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating memoir about the 10 Morris children who became orphaned when their parents were killed in a car crash by a drunk driver. Their father was 39 and their mother was 35. The kids ranged from ages 3 to 17. The story is written by Kathi, the oldest child.

The children wanted to remain together as they faced an uncertain future. Their story made headlines around the world and a trust fund was set up that brought in $50k which is about $375k in today's dollars. Their parents did not have a will, so they became wards of the state. They bounced around between various foster homes and relatives homes. Abuse and neglect occurred.

At the beginning of the book, Kathi mentions that this is her story. About 90% of the book is Kathi's story and how her life unfolded. There are future family tragedies with some of her siblings which are told poignantly.

[Charlene Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best memoir that I have read in along time, not just because I know the author and remember the summer that this terrible tragedy happened. The summer of 1968, I had just completed my first year of college and was home for the summer. Kathi was a few years behind me in school but she was a really nice girl. Her father was the manager of our local Kinney shoe store, where we shopped and each interaction with Mr Morris was always a joy. It is hard to imagine just how this terrible, senseless accident changed the life of Kathi and her siblings for the rest of their lives. This was bid news for our small town; but it brought everyone together in support of the children. Of course we all read about it in the paper and saw the crash photos on the nightly news. By the end of summer, the funeral was over and the thought of what was to become of the children was the big laconcern. Until I read Kathi's account of the difficulties she and her siblings had to endure, it just shown a light on the unjustice brought to bare on these young people who had no say about their life. When well meaning family members say they will take care of these children, it makes you wonder where is the love and nurturing, which is needed, or are they just after the trust that has been set aside for the children from all the loving people of Madera. I want to applaud Kathi's courage to put down on paper, for all to read, the truth of we, the rest of the town, had no idea had happened. Thank you, Kathi for sharing the story of you and your siblings. I know it was painful to revisit that day but you have given us all a look at how things can quickly turn bad over money and all thoughts of actual child care goes out the window. I hope this true account of your life tragedy helps other children and their families learn to do better.

[Cheryl Giddens · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was OK not riveting. But a thought provoking story Of what Can really happen.