Did I Ever Thank You, Sister?: A True Story

by Sal Di Leo

Sal Di Leo returns after 30 years to the Catholic orphanage outside Chicago that he and his siblings called home in 1963. This is the beginning of a journey of discovery and remembrance as Sal is forced to reconstruct his life as it really happened, including some of his most difficult years at Boys Town in Nebraska.

As an adult, Sal tried to rise above his turbulent past in an aggressive quest for power and money. Successes soon led to failures. Eventually, a wise friend convinces Sal to go back to his roots and look for the good experiences and valuable lessons he learned as a nine-year-old orphan.

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

An entrepreneur who has successfully tackled many challenges in business and in life, Sal volunteers much of his time serving those in need. With his family, he founded St. Francis Lodge, a free retreat center where nuns, priests and others can reflect and rest to enhance their lives and work. The State Fish Art contest, which he started in Minnesota to help kids learn about conservation through art, is now offered in all 50 states and 12 countries. Sal has been actively involved with Rotary and the Lions Club, and he has spoken to service clubs around the United States about his life and the importance of gratitude. His self-published memoir, Did I Ever Thank You, Sister?, rooted in his childhood experiences in a Catholic orphanage, is available worldwide. The proud father of two adult daughters who have successfully left the nest, Sal has been married to his lovely wife Beth for more than 30 years. A longtime resident of Minneapolis, he is a 1977 graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring true story. Sal's story spans several decades and in his search for meaning in the midst of loss he discovers a path to forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude. What I enjoyed most about the book is following young Sal through the different decades of life in America. Many years later, Sal's story inspires me to be more optimistic in the midst of my own struggles and to look on the bright side, no matter what life brings.

[Majanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...

Did I Ever Thank You, Sister? is a heartwarming story of human triumph, of surviving against all odds. It’s a journey of self-discovery and remembrance. Sal Di Leo grew up in an orphanage outside Chicago, and had a troubled childhood that led him to make some wrong choices as an adult. His childhood scars put him on an aggressive quest for power and money as an adult, and this all soon led to failures, until a friend convinced him to go back to his roots, and the life lessons he learned despite his struggles as a child.

The book often brought me to tears because of how many challenges Sal and his siblings had to face in their youth. Reading about Sal’s dreams, tribulations, and how he grew and changed as a person was very inspiring.

[MAYRA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Mr. Di Leo while we were both in fifth grade. I found the book to be of interest since I never really got to know him well back then, and through his book caught up with his experiences before and after our year together in school.

[Mike McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Sister Laurie for recommending this easy read. Lots of connections with Joliet, Guardian Angel Home, St Rays buddies, University of Nebraska, Perry Sanders, President Reagan and all about a turnaround kid story from someone my age!

[The Not Boring Book Show · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing life story. Listen to our full interview here:

http://www.thenotboringbookshow.com/2...

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Mr. Di Leo last week at a dinner party and as favors signed copies of his book were presented. I loved this story and it reminded me very much of Jeanette Wall's "The Glass Castle." There is truly something magical and heart warming about a person over coming adversities and living the American dream. Meeting Mr. Di Leo was an honor and I'm grateful to have read his memoir.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. It's always nice seeing someone overcome adversities.

[Ereader]

This is by my friend's dad!

[Avidreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt true story of life's struggles and success's. Couldn't put it down.