Dear Matt

This is about my 7 year old cousin. He's been through so much in his young life. I can't tslk to him about this because my grandmother will get angry, so I'm writing my feelings out here.

Dear Matt,

     I heard your mother left you and little Alex again. Was is because your stepfather was in jail again? Yes, I believe that's what Aunt Jewell said. Burned your mother I hear. I know you love her and you want her to stay. I'm so sorry. I wish I could make her stay for you. I wish I could make everything right for you. But I can't.

   So, you switched schools for the third time I hear? Do you like it? Did you actally make some friends in this one? Or are the bullies too, takig advantage of you shyness. I'm shy too, buddy. ButI wil certainy come and punch those boys noses for you.

     What's that? Your father got an 18 year old pregnant? Oh dear. I'm so sorry. So now you're living with him and a barely legal adult and a newborn. In a two bedroom house. At least it's better the that stupid trailer your mother made you live in. With seven other people. And they made you and baby Alex, the youngest in the "house" sleep on the floor.

  What! Her dog bit Alex in the face! Someone was watching him right?! Oh. Of course not.

      I wish Aunt Becky, or Mimi as she was to you, was here. She was the one who put food in your mouth, clothed you, gave you attention and love when me and Aunt Jewell couldn't. She loved you so much. I remember I was so jelous when you were born because she barely had time for me anymore.

But I saw the way she looked at you. A look with much more passion and love then she ever gave me, her only neice. She loved you Matt. And yes, she is watching from Heaven, like Aunt Jewell said. She lovees you still.

   I promise you, the day I turn 18, I will take you back to the Beach. You were only two, but you remember. You talk about it all the time. Mimi went, the last vacation we had before she got sick. Well, she already was sick, but she always wanted to see you on that beach. Her one last wish. Of course we'll take Alex. He's never seen the beach.

     Matt, I want you to know, I will always love you. You may be making some bad choices at school and lashing out at me and Aunt Jewell, but I still love you, You and Alex are my favorite family members, you know.

 So, I guess I'll see you at Chritmas. I got a gift for you that you will really like. It has to do with your favorite team, the Titans. We love you.

 

     Love,

     Hope