I refuse to be defeated by this situation with the parents.  I’m going to take a little time for myself this summer to get my strength back.  But, in the fall, I’ll try again to communicate with them.

Why wait?

Remember, your oldest brother lives with me and what I do directly affects him.  If I send another letter explaining myself further and the parents react badly to it, you will not see your brother again for a while. He has a hard time getting to see you both as it is: a lot of arguing and yelling apparently happens before he is given permission to spend time with you both.  In the fall, he plans to be settled elsewhere, so my actions will not affect your being able to see him.

As I keep telling you, there is an important bit of information that I believe you do not know.  Your brother and I are trying to get this information to you in the best way for you to hear it.  It is quite upsetting which is why I haven’t posted about this sooner. My posting on June 9 will make it more clear. Have a box of tissues handy.  In the meantime, older brother is trying to let you know another way. I’d really rather you didn’t read it here first.  Someone who loves you and can comfort you should give you this news.

I do need a break from worrying about this situation.  I need to sleep and laugh and not cough all the time.  My health is not what it should be.  As I see that Purity has a car and a good job, I know that she is ok.  Older brother will continue to come see you both over the summer and he’ll let me know if I’m needed. Just know, that there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you both.  I love you.