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I returned that letter to its envelope and took up the next in date order, postinia,

My letter of June 2, 1955, was inadvertently returned tothe post office will forward the address correction In thepossible to assist little Kinsey during her recovery froic events Given your own deep sorrow for your sister’s passing, youboth you and Kinsey are bearing up under your sorrow as best you can Burton and I are hard-pressed to knohere to begin the process of putting all our lives back together It would do us such good if you could see your way clear to having Kinsey spend a few days with us

I called your workplace and was told you were unavailable, so it’s possible you’ve taken a brief leave of absence If there’s any e can help tide you over, please accept theto supply anything else you need in the way of aid in this heartbreaking transitional period We want only what’s best for you and the child

We hope you’ve been giving serious thought to our previous suggestion about Kinsey’s living with us We have the stability essential to a child in her position, unsettled by the sudden loss of those so dear to her

The check she’d enclosed ritten for twenty-five dollars There was no sign of the proposal she’d mentioned, sothe plan

The next two letters were variations on a theme, offers of comfort, solace, and cash in just about that order, with the continuing suggestion that "little Kinsey" would benefit fro children I started skiraph here and there to see if the tone or content changed over tian to pick away at Aunt Gin’s lifestyle The school year was rapidly approaching, and Grand probably wanted me settled with her in Lompoc so I could be properly enrolled Since the envelopes were still sealed and being returned to Grand as soon as they arrived, she knew her good counsel was falling on deaf ears This forced her to operate in the dark, without feedback of any kind, spurring new efforts on her part to break down Virginia’s resistance, which was steely to say the least

Given your li, we feel we have more to offer Kinsey Perhaps by now you’ve co a child alone We feel our position has ht not see you to keep an open mind Whatever our differences, I’m sure we’re united in our desire to do what’s best for her We feel we can provide her a loving fa, and the best prospects possible on her journey to adulthood Of course, Burton and I would want you to remain a constant in Kinsey’s life, and we assure you we’d make every effort to nurture and protect the bond you have with her

Granted, there were difficulties between us these past few years I don’t know that either of us could trace the short sad history of our disagree, all such conflicts should be set aside so that weKinsey the i-of-war She should not be put in thetorn and confused We’d appreciate the opportunity to present her with options without prejudice or undue influence Since you’ve been in her life, her natural inclination ether we can dees that await her

The irony wasn’t lost on me Here all these years I’d resented Grand’s apathy when, in fact, she’d been doing her utmost to pull me into her orbit My wants, needs, and desires were scarcely est that she could serve ,

You’ve always valued your career goals and your independence, issues that would be strongly curtailed by the rigors of parenting Given your full-tiated to day care, which we can’t help but think would be disastrous in light of her losses

I set the rest aside and turned to the small bundle of letters addressed to uess who sent you this letter I don’t believe you kno to read yet, so I’inia will do hts known to you