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9781647197162

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Doreen McGettigan is a Good Samaritan in every sense of the word. She not only helped the elderly homeless woman, Sophie, but she also housed her, clothed her, fed her, and saw to her every need. It was not always easy, and McGetttigan tells the truth about her fear and sometimes disgust. Yet, she grew to love Sophie and mourns her loss. McGettigan's simple question, What would you do? challenges us to not only look at the homeless as our brothers and sisters but to take action to relieve their suffering - Adela Crandell Durkee The intricate narrative of how a homeless stranger came to be a roommate, how it affected their lives, and how it set the author on her own journey of discovery, give the reader an intimate look at the face of aging, families and, of course, the worst case scenario. Fully researched yet personally poignant, The Stranger in My Recliner opens your heart to one woman's descent into homelessness and the complicated spiral of services that failed. In the end, it's evident that the state of mental health services sometimes leaves only two options for caregivers and their struggling family members: wash their hands of it or live with them tied. The red tape surrounding services for mental illness can also prevent those afflicted from getting effective help, even when the best intentions at heart. The author makes it evident that for every person on the street with no where to call home, there's a story. I commend her for taking responsibility. It was the ultimate act of kindness. Great story! - Cindy Falteich I'd been taught to treat people the way God said we should but I'd never known anyone who took those words as literally as Doreen and John. An elderly stranger, mentally unstable, sometimes incontinent, sometimes mean-spirited, and at times destructive takes up residence in their recliner. Yet, Doreen made her feel welcome in her own home. It started with her love and loyalty to her husband, John, who knew Sophie first. I saw, in this book, more than simply a kind deed done for an old lady. I saw what selfless people can do to make the life of one person better. It was difficult for Doreen, as she was the main caregiver for Sophie, but she never gave up. The mental health system and elderly assistance make it impossible to find the resources desperately needed for so many homeless on the streets. I believe that Doreen opened the eyes of the government agencies that she dealt with. The woman is a bulldog when she is on a mission! Sophie's story could be anyone's story if changes aren't made to accommodate those living from one paycheck to the next, or unable to work due to health or age. The Stranger In My Recliner is an excellent example of kindness, selflessness, perseverance, loyalty, and just doing the right thing. - Beth Firce

"Doreen McGettigan is a Good Samaritan in every sense of the word. She not only helped the elderly homeless woman, Sophie, but she also housed her, clothed her, fed her, and saw to her every need. It was not always easy, and McGetttigan tells the truth about her fear and sometimes disgust. Yet, she grew to love Sophie and mourns her loss. McGettigan's simple question, ""What would you do?"" challenges us to not only look at the homeless as our brothers and sisters but to take action to relieve their suffering - Adela Crandell Durkee The intricate narrative of how a homeless stranger came to be a roommate, how it affected their lives, and how it set the author on her own journey of discovery, give the reader an intimate look at the face of aging, families and, of course, the worst case scenario. Fully researched yet personally poignant, ""The Stranger in My Recliner"" opens your heart to one woman's descent into homelessness and the complicated spiral of services that failed. In the end, it's evident that the state of mental health services sometimes leaves only two options for caregivers and their struggling family members: wash their hands of it or live with them tied. The red tape surrounding services for mental illness can also prevent those afflicted from getting effective help, even when the best intentions at heart. The author makes it evident that for every person on the street with no where to call home, there's a story. I commend her for taking responsibility. It was the ultimate act of kindness. Great story! - Cindy Falteich I'd been taught to treat people the way God said we should but I'd never known anyone who took those words as literally as Doreen and John. An elderly stranger, mentally unstable, sometimes incontinent, sometimes mean-spirited, and at times destructive takes up residence in their recliner. Yet, Doreen made her feel welcome in her own home. It started with her love and loyalty to her husband, John, who knew Sophie first. I saw, in this book, more than simply a kind deed done for an old lady. I saw what selfless people can do to make the life of one person better. It was difficult for Doreen, as she was the main caregiver for Sophie, but she never gave up. The mental health system and elderly assistance make it impossible to find the resources desperately needed for so many homeless on the streets. I believe that Doreen opened the eyes of the government agencies that she dealt with. The woman is a bulldog when she is on a mission! Sophie's story could be anyone's story if changes aren't made to accommodate those living from one paycheck to the next, or unable to work due to health or age. The Stranger In My Recliner is an excellent example of kindness, selflessness, perseverance, loyalty, and just doing the right thing. - Beth Firce"

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Doreen started her writing career as a feature writer for newspapers. She is a ghostwriter, speaker, author, and award-winning blogger.She is on the board of Family Promise, a national organization supporting homeless families with the goal of permanent, sustainable housing, and on the board of Fem City Philadelphia.

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