The Fourteenth

Dear Debbie,

Once upon a time, I started my own once upon a time with a young man. In so doing I became a member of a new family. I was young, unaware, and truth be told frightened. I only knew what I knew and that was what I came from. I tried to be brave, to put on a good front and try to be like that new family. I'm pretty sure I failed with that, and I'm ok with knowing my failure. I must confess though of that new family - of all those new brothers and sisters - you were the one I felt most comfortable with. You were the one that just accepted me with opens arms, never telling me what to do, never judging me for my inadequacies, and always loving me. To this day - almost four years after my once upon a time ended with a not so happily ever after divorce, you still love me. You still care. You have faith in me that I often do not have in myself. I know we will always be family, we will always be connected and for that I am so grateful. I'm sorry it took me so long to come around but I did not know how to handle the divorce and the family. Thanks to you, I now know there is nothing to handle.
I must confess, I was scared that afternoon in March when you came driving up to us. I didn't know how ya'll felt or how you would react to me coming to FL - but once again you amazed me by welcoming me back as though I never left. Just so you know, I don't plan on leaving again. Family is family regardless of how we came to be, we always will be. Right?
As far as Steve, he has his demons to fight. I am sadden but his lack of desire to fight them and how it so affects my children. It breaks my heart and I feel sorry for him when I am not so frustrated with him. It will be ok, I will work through, and I know I am supported by so many, including yourself.

Always your little sis,

Mel P