June 25, 1859

Dear Lucy,

There were always some things that I would disagree about with your grandmother, and that was one of them.  I don’t think that you should just live along with all of these terrible things, no matter what happens.  Why, I once knew a man who did that and he went insane in the process.  Barely twenty-three that man was, and he lost his mind because he put up with people like that.

Now, I am glad that Father Ryan came over and helped you, but he should have done a better job.  Next time you are going to tell him exactly what is wrong so that my messenger will have an easier job.  Yes child, I am the one who sent him.  But you really must learn how to do things for yourself.  I may be here for a while, but I am old and I won’t always be here.  You need to learn so much.

However, I do think that Henry’s drinking problem is far too great for a child such as yourself.  I will have to work that one out myself.  After a month I will see to it that you are put in a better home if that one is still too much of a hassle.

But I am glad that Father Ryan was able to do some good.  That old man was always scatterbrained as a child; the adults never knew what to do with that boy.  He has grown into a fine man, hasn’t he?

Always, Safiya

Author's Note

So sorry it took so long to put up, but I've had to switch computers because I got a new one and the old one almost crashed, but I've finally got this story onto my new Mac and I can't wait to post the rest of the story!