A Song, A Prayer, A Free Spirit

About the Book

About the Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR As tragedy struck in 1930; Janet was five years old when their mother died from natural childbirth. (Evelyn) Imogene Byrley York was 5 ½ months pregnant. Left surviving was their father Doyle Charles York to raise thirteen children at home in Valparaiso, Indiana. Their half-Sister Mary Jo and two half-brothers Eu(gene) and Glen were also left without a biological father. Janet and twelve others of her siblings were awarded by the courts to a child institution sponsored by the Loyal Order of the Moose; Mooseheart, Illinois (the only Child City of its’ kind in the world). Instead, their Grandfather, Theodore Byrley kidnapped one of her sisters, Ruth; taking her south to Corbin, Kentucky with his wife Ada. The Moose authorities tried to get Ruth back, but Grandpa convinced the judge otherwise. Many children were being orphaned after the world wars. Despite Janet suffering a childhood traumatic experience, she was greatly influenced in her love of music by dedicated and caring teachers at Mooseheart. She was given vocational and academic opportunities, graduating from her hometown University and now teaches and works locally in a suburb of Los Angeles; the San Fernando Valley. She wants to give to all children, and also thanks Mooseheart and the Moose Fraternal Organization. She later discovers a spiritual freedom. The book ends with a “Message of Love” to her immediate family whom she is still in touch with.