They Did The Best They Could: Discovering Your Path to Compassion
An inspirational memoir with practical spiritual advice
Get the most out of my book by
- Reading the chapter
- Seeing how your story mirrors mine
- Then find your solution in the guidance in the accompanying Course of Action chapters
Readers have shared how similar their situations have been to my family as they find themselves reflected in the pages.
“In the literary realm of human potential books, we are inspired by the growth the author chronicles. This book transforms us from readers to compassionate humans.” Karen A
I’m revealing the story of meeting my father for the first time in my forties and how that impacted my life. The memoir chapters boast a strong hook and moments of real drama as I furtively picked through my mother’s papers for information and plucked the courage to meet—and eventually empathize with—my father, who had vanished in my infancy and soon stopped paying child support, leaving my mother struggling on her own.
I added candid photos of the family to help readers connect to my story.
“The story is so well written and with so much heart, I felt like I was right there as the author met her father for the very first time.” Wellsome

Here is my mom. It was her voice and words that inspired the title of this book. Let me explain in this soundbite of Chapter 11.
The book’s second half offers physical and emotional self-healing techniques
The Courses of Action are tied to each chapter and offer clear guidance through various practices for achieving peace and compassion. In the book, I share how mindfulness and self-care led me to a rich understanding of what others have gone through and how to release judgment of them and myself.
In the book are the techniques I created that helped me and now my clients to perceive hurtful occurrences in a new light.
- Numerous self-hypnosis scripts
- Guided imagery meditations
- Steps towards achieving self-love
- Discover and build your intuition
- Clear abusive memories
- See how to connect to light beings
- Mend a broken heart
View more in the Table of Contents in the photo gallery to the right
Click the book photo and peek inside the book
Hi Marnie. I’m enjoying your book so much. Wow, (grandfather) Vincent’s story is incredible. You come from courageous, hardy stock. – Erica S
Thank you Marnie. Your book is really well written I feel your experiences deeply in my heart xoxo. -Dasha F.
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Praise for Marnie's book
“They Did The Best They Could” is a powerful and poignant narrative about finding the father Marnie never knew and discovering the hidden truth of the Italian half of her family tree. Marnie examines how the opposing families made bad situations worse, despite the best of intentions. But, most importantly, she learned that her lost family loved her. This book had me tearing up again and again.
Thomas S.
Centennial, Colorado
This is the book you have been looking for!
In the literary realm of human potential books, we are inspired by the growth the author chronicles. Then, however, we ask about how we could ever follow the author’s lead. Marnie bridges that gap by paralleling each chapter about her life with a course of action chapter. For example, Chapter 10, “A Strange Way to Live,” detailing early childhood events, is clarified by exercises that move us forward in uncovering patterns in us triggered by those self-same childhood adventures. I have a lively mind, so the exercise ‘Set the Stage to Silence Negative Stories’ appeals to me, and allows me to change my perspective of being an unhappy participant in a childhood scenario, releasing negative emotions, and reframing this into internal support and growth. This book, therefore, allows us to recapitulate the author’s growth as part of our own. This book transforms us from readers into compassionate humans.
Karen A.
Astrologer, Estes Park Colorado
Marnie, the charismatic free spirit I first met in Chicago years ago, has evolved into the present-day guide to living your best life. Her latest book explores the power of forgiveness and provides the reader exercises to help with their own life challenges.
RobAnn S.
Chicago, Illinois
Riveting!
Once I started reading I could not put the book down. The stories are quite engaging.
Colyn G.
Aurora, Colorado
Even though there were hardships, it’s absolutely charming, which seems weird to say but true. Marnie took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions, all while being able to be totally vulnerable. I’m still working on Part II and following Marnie’s guidance.
Brenda R.
Tucson, Arizona
I have read the first 65 pages of your book and I love it. I was drawn in on the first page. There are no chance meetings but meetings with great purpose. Meeting you is one of those magical moments.
Susan S.
Golden, Colorado
Soothing for the Soul, Nurturing to the Spirit.
I was reading it as slow as I could, as I didn’t want it to end. Well written and authentic (first part); self empowering and educational (second part). Marnie has been an amazing healer for decades, now she proved once again what a fantastic writer she also is!–
Christina V.
Cypress, Greece
Marnie is a beautiful soul inside and out. She shares the intimate details of her family, growing up and finding a lost part of that family. Illustrated with many black and white photographs. Refreshing, beautiful, and bittersweet memories. A wonderful journey of life that shows we all have similar situations and perhaps relationships. Marnie’s second part of her book shows us methods of finding peace and beauty within ourselves.
Linda
Chicago, Illionis
More and more people need to look and understand your story. You most certainly possess the gift.