Ten Sisters, the PBS Documentary, is based on the true story of ten sisters who grew up with few material advantages, but believed that they had a happy childhood. "Separated by the Court, Reunited by the Bonds of Family" is the subtitle for this documentary.

In 1942, their lives changed in a heartbeart when a trip to a courthouse one day separated them from each other. Producer Tim Hartin, painted a heart-wrenching picture of the inseparable sisters being torn apart as they clung to each other at the courthouse.

The sobbing sisters were literally pulled apart, and driven to different homes after a court proceeding made them wards of the state.

This poignant true story is on PBS in some areas tonight, February 19, and will subsequently be shown in other areas later. Check your local listing for details. In addition to being based on a book called Ten Sisters: A True Story, it is also based on a children's book: Ten Little Sisters.

The sisters grow up sleeping ten to a bed and took care of each other because their parents were too distracted by money and other issues. Rural Illinois is the setting for this story which promises to be a tearjerker.

The court proceeding, which was described as mysterious, separated the sisters and sent them in several different directions. They were sent to live to foster care, some went with relatives and some were adopted. Yet, the strength of their family bonds triumphs.