Dear Louisiana,

I’m so glad you replied to my letter. I’m sure with caring for all of your little ones you have more important things to do than to listen to me. It is nice to talk to someone who knows how I feel though. I feel so alone at times. My husband works hard but he has no idea how hard I work; he thinks because I don’t work outside the house, I have life easy.

Don’t get me wrong Mrs. Sandusky. My husband is an excellent provider for our family. He makes sure all of our needs are met. I never want for anything but I wish he could be more understanding of the fact that I also work very hard to keep things running smoothly. I do my best to keep him happy. He likes supper to be on the table when he gets home from work and I try my hardest to always have this done. He also expects me to keep the house perfectly clean. This can be a huge challenge with three small children in the house, especially in the summer time.

Jack does not always handle it well when he gets home and things are not neat and tidy. I’m sorry to say that when Jack gets mad, I am the one who pays the price. He has never touched our girls though. I know you probably think my husband is a bad man, but in truth, it is my own fault. I should do better to not anger him. He works hard providing for our family and I should do my share.

The girls are very good. They do the best they can to help me around the house, even Susie. Being they are three, five and seven the help they can give is limited. I know they do this because they do not like to see me cry after one of Jack’s rampages. Even at their young age, they realize what is happening. It really hurts me to know I cannot hide their father’s rage from my children. At times I even hate myself for what I put myself through.

Well, Louie, I have rambled long enough. I will close for now. Thanks for being a listening ear for someone who desperately needs a friend.

Sincerely Your Friend,

Audrey Jackson