The Housekeeper's Secret

1. A Promise Born of Love and Loss

“Will you write the book for me?”

A dying wish. The story begins with a poignant request from Lee, a beloved housekeeper, to Sandy, her surrogate daughter. Lee, facing her mortality, asks Sandy to write the book she always dreamed of, a book about her life, a life she claimed "nobody would believe." This request, made in the face of impending death, sets the stage for a journey of discovery and a promise that will span decades.

Unthinkable loss. Lee's request is made even more compelling by the fact that she has never shared details of her past, only hinting at a life filled with unimaginable events. Sandy, an accountant with no writing experience, is tasked with uncovering the hidden truths of a woman who has always been a mystery. This promise is not just a task, but a testament to the deep bond between them.

A legacy of love. The request is a powerful expression of love and trust, a desire to leave behind a legacy that goes beyond her role as a housekeeper. It's a testament to the profound impact Lee had on Sandy's life, a bond that transcends the traditional employer-employee relationship. This promise becomes the driving force behind the narrative, a quest to honor a woman who had given so much.

2. The Arrival of a Life-Changing Presence

"Whether the memory was all mine or crafted by storytelling, not since that summer afternoon in June 1965 when I was three and a half have I met anyone so life-changing."

A bright flash. Lee's arrival into Sandy's life is described as a pivotal moment, a flash so bright it washes out all prior memories. This dramatic introduction emphasizes the profound impact Lee had on Sandy's childhood and the family as a whole. It's as if Lee's presence created a new beginning, a before and after in Sandy's life.

Anticipation and hope. The family's anticipation of Lee's arrival is palpable, with the house in immaculate order and the children eager to meet their new housekeeper. This sets the stage for a relationship that will be far more than just a professional arrangement. It's a moment filled with hope, a desire for a positive change in their family dynamic.

A gentle soul. Lee's initial interactions with the family are marked by her gentle voice, warm smile, and genuine interest in each of the children. She is immediately seen as a kind and caring presence, a stark contrast to the previous housekeepers who had been harsh and distant. This establishes her as a nurturing figure, a second mother to Sandy and her siblings.

3. Unveiling a Past Shrouded in Secrecy

“Someday I’m going to write a book, and nobody will believe it.”

A life untold. Lee's repeated claim that she would write a book "nobody would believe" hints at a past filled with extraordinary and perhaps painful experiences. This statement serves as a constant reminder of the secrets she holds, the stories she has never shared. It's a tantalizing clue that fuels Sandy's curiosity and her determination to fulfill Lee's wish.

A wall of silence. Lee consistently deflects personal questions, offering only vague answers and redirecting the conversation. This creates a sense of mystery around her, a feeling that she is deliberately keeping her past hidden. It's a wall of silence that Sandy must eventually break through to understand the woman she loves.

A promise to uncover. Lee's request to Sandy to write her book is a significant shift, a willingness to finally share her story. This request is a challenge to Sandy, a call to delve into the unknown and uncover the hidden truths of Lee's life. It's a promise that will lead Sandy on a journey of discovery, a quest to understand the woman behind the silence.

4. The Weight of Unspoken Truths

“We’re not to ask our new housekeeper anything about her family.”

A family tragedy. The family is instructed not to ask Lee about her family, due to the tragic loss of her husband and son in a car accident. This creates an atmosphere of unspoken grief and a sense that Lee's past is a forbidden topic. It's a rule that highlights the fragility of Lee's emotional state and the family's desire to protect her.

A burden of silence. The family's compliance with this rule creates a sense of distance and prevents them from truly knowing Lee. It's a burden of silence that weighs on Sandy, a feeling that she is missing a crucial part of Lee's identity. This unspoken rule becomes a barrier that Sandy must eventually overcome.

A quest for understanding. The family's silence, while well-intentioned, ultimately fuels Sandy's desire to uncover the truth. It's a quest to understand the woman who has become so important to her, a desire to know the full story behind the woman she loves. This quest is driven by a need to honor Lee's request and to finally break through the wall of silence.

5. A Sanctuary Amidst Chaos

“I’m incredibly grateful to have a shower stall rather than a bathtub. I forgot to mention to the agency that I do not take baths. Ever.”

A safe haven. Lee finds solace and comfort in the Krilich home, a place where she is accepted and valued. The basement, with its private room and shower, becomes her sanctuary, a space where she can feel safe and at peace. This is a stark contrast to the life she had before, a life filled with trauma and loss.

A balance of needs. Lee and Lillian, Sandy's mother, form a unique partnership, each complementing the other's strengths and weaknesses. Lee's preference for dishes and ironing, and Lillian's love for cooking and laundry, create a harmonious balance in the household. This partnership is a testament to the power of mutual respect and understanding.

A refuge from the storm. The Krilich home becomes a refuge for Lee, a place where she can escape the pain of her past and find a sense of belonging. It's a place where she is not just a housekeeper, but a valued member of the family, a woman who is loved and respected. This sanctuary is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of finding a safe haven.

6. Baseball as a Shared Language of Joy

“Someday, I’m going to write a book about my life, and no one will believe it!”

A passion for the game. Lee's love for the Chicago Cubs is a central part of her identity, a passion that she shares with Sandy and her siblings. Baseball becomes a shared language of joy, a way for them to connect and create lasting memories. It's a passion that transcends the game itself, a symbol of hope and resilience.

A break from routine. Game days become a break from the usual household chores, a time for laughter, excitement, and shared experiences. Lee's enthusiasm for the Cubs is infectious, drawing the children into her world and creating a sense of community. It's a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is always room for joy and celebration.

A connection to the past. Lee's love for baseball is also a connection to her past, a way for her to remember the good times and to find solace in the familiar. It's a passion that has been with her for decades, a constant source of comfort and joy. This love for the game becomes a symbol of her resilience, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always something to celebrate.

7. The Unfolding of a Family's Fractured Reality

“I’m afraid she might not want to continue with us.”

A father's volatile nature. Sandy's father is portrayed as a complex and often volatile figure, whose moods and actions create a sense of unease and instability in the household. His outbursts and criticisms create a tense atmosphere, a stark contrast to the peace and harmony that Lee brings. This highlights the challenges of living in a home where love and respect are not always present.

A mother's quiet strength. Sandy's mother, Lillian, is a woman of quiet strength, who tries to maintain a sense of normalcy in the face of her husband's erratic behavior. Her reliance on prayer and her desire to create a loving home for her children are a testament to her resilience. She is a woman who is trying to hold her family together, even as it is being torn apart.

A family in turmoil. The family's vacations, while seemingly extravagant, are often marred by chaos and disappointment. These trips highlight the underlying tensions within the family, the lack of genuine connection, and the father's inability to provide the emotional support his family needs. It's a reminder that material wealth does not always equate to happiness.

8. A Journey Through Pain and Resilience

“One day, I was preparing a special dinner for my family. I thought I had green beans at home but realized I didn’t. My husband offered to run down to the grocery store. Naturally, my son Pierre wanted to ride with his daddy. On their way home, another car ran a red light. My husband and my boy were killed instantly.”

A tragic revelation. Lee finally shares the story of her husband and son's death, a moment of profound sadness and loss. This revelation is a turning point in the narrative, a glimpse into the pain that Lee has carried for so long. It's a moment of vulnerability, a willingness to finally share her deepest wounds.

A promise of silence. Lee asks Sandy not to ask about her family again, a request that highlights the depth of her pain and her desire to keep her past buried. This request is a challenge to Sandy, a test of her loyalty and her ability to respect Lee's boundaries. It's a reminder that some wounds are too deep to be easily healed.

A life of quiet strength. Despite the unimaginable loss she has endured, Lee continues to be a source of strength and stability for Sandy and her family. Her resilience is a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, it is possible to find a way to move forward. This resilience is a defining characteristic of Lee, a quality that makes her so admirable.

9. The Haunting Legacy of Manteno

“I think you should trust your doctor.”

A dark history. The discovery of Lee's time at Manteno State Hospital reveals a history of abuse, neglect, and experimentation. This revelation is a shocking and disturbing glimpse into the dark side of mental health care in the past. It's a reminder of the importance of compassion and respect for all individuals, regardless of their mental state.

A system of cruelty. The descriptions of electroshock therapy, hydrotherapy, and the use of restraints highlight the inhumane treatment of patients at Manteno. These details paint a picture of a system that was designed to control and punish, rather than to heal and support. It's a reminder of the importance of advocating for the rights of the vulnerable.

A search for answers. Sandy's visit to Manteno is a quest to understand the horrors that Lee endured and to find answers to the questions that have haunted her for so long. It's a journey into the past, a confrontation with the darkness that Lee had tried so hard to leave behind. This quest is driven by a need to honor Lee's memory and to finally understand the full scope of her suffering.

10. Reconnecting with a Family Lost and Found

“I’m trusting you to make sure nobody sends me any live animals.”

A family revealed. The discovery of Lee's siblings and their families is a moment of both joy and sadness. It's a reminder that Lee was not alone in the world, that she had a family who had been searching for her for decades. This revelation is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of family ties.

A web of secrets. The reasons behind Lee's silence become clearer as Sandy learns about the abuse she suffered and the children she was forced to give up. This revelation is a testament to the complexity of human experience and the lengths people will go to protect themselves from further pain. It's a reminder that secrets are often born out of trauma and fear.

A quest for reconciliation. Sandy's desire to reunite Lee with her family is a testament to her love and respect for the woman who had been her second mother. It's a quest to heal the wounds of the past and to bring closure to a story that has been shrouded in secrecy for too long. This quest is driven by a desire to honor Lee's memory and to finally bring her home.

11. The Power of Truth and Reconciliation

“I would like to stay, but I don’t want to be a bother, so if you prefer, I can remain in the basement on my days off.”

A legacy of love. The story culminates in Sandy's efforts to honor Lee's memory by sharing her story and reuniting her with her loved ones. This is a testament to the power of love and the importance of keeping promises. It's a reminder that even in the face of death, it is possible to create a lasting legacy.

A journey of healing. Sandy's journey is not just about uncovering Lee's past, but also about her own healing and growth. It's a process of coming to terms with the complexities of human experience and the importance of empathy and understanding. This journey is a testament to the power of truth and the importance of confronting the past.

A celebration of life. The story ends with a sense of peace and reconciliation, a celebration of Lee's life and the impact she had on those around her. It's a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, it is possible to find hope and to create a better future. This celebration is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of honoring the lives of those who have touched us.

Last updated: February 3, 2025