Dear Madeline,

So many years have passed and another birthday has come and gone. We don't know if you ever received the cards and money gifts our family sent to you for your graduation, because all we know is that the postal money orders were cashed.

We have learned that your mother and grandmother have had some legal troubles. I am sorry for you to have to go through this. It's difficult when those we love suffer.

Your grandmother Mildred passed away peacefully in hospice in September of 2019. Eleanor is living in Portland, OR, and is traveling here for Thanksgiving. Amelia lives in an apartment on the ranch and is attending community college majoring in business and art. Jalene got a masters in social work and counsels youth. Erin works for a non-profit national business supporting access to clean water for disadvantaged schools and communities. Your dad worked as a park ranger supervising water service at Yosemite until a short while ago. Right now he's living on the ranch and having a sabbatical.

Rex and I are retired and active in the Back Country Horsemen of California. We spent the summer on pack trips to the backcountry. Rex is on the local rodeo board and next month we are getting to go to the National Finals Rodeo for a week.

We are so sorry that it has never worked out for you to get to know your father's family and your father, but while there is life, there is hope. Just know that I don't hold anything against you, but think of you with love and understanding.

Your U-li-si