�She had good people around her which made all the difference,� Cristina says about Ramona. �For street girls it is doubly hard to straighten out especially with the lure of prostitution. For that reason Ramona�s achievements are even that much more spectacular... but I do remember,� Cristina went on. �she was a real difficult girl at the beginnings.�
Ilie popped back in. Though participating in the conversation he remained on his feet - ready to run off at the slightest opportunity. I engage him in talking about his art work and asked me to show me some of his recent creations. He is multi-talented working with pen and ink, paints, sculpture and even wood carving. He prefers country architecture and natural landscapes. Though living in and surrounded by the city he doesn�t ever paint it. He says it just doesn�t interest him, but certainly a setting full of bad memories.
After coaxing him to sit down - I asked him about his early years. I asked why he went on the street. - but his answer was always the same, that he left home at 7 years old and doesn�t really remember all that much
Cristina cut in and speaking in English which is foreign to Ilie she told me that he doesn�t talk much about his past with anyone. �We sometimes have these conversations in group but Ilie always says, �I don�t want to talk about it� - he had bad early years that�s for sure.�
THE END
Readers interested in more information can view Catholic Charities Bvucharest web papge at www.caritas.go.ro
Concordia web page is (to be supplied )