Dear Louisa,

I am releived to know the girls arrived and are now safely in your care. I don't doubt for a minute they are in the best hands. Audrey has been having a hard time dealing with them being so far away, but she will adjust. In her heart she knows this is the best place for her children. It is important to her recovery she not worry too much, but the mothering instinct in her is stronger than her concern for her own health. Being a mother yourself, I am sure you understand. Her spirits have been better since Susan has been moved out of ICU and into a room with her. I think both are enjoying the other's company. It's healing for both of them.

As for Lacey and Maria, I know they are very shaken.  Lacey in peticular. She has been painfully withdrawn since being in our care. Maria just seems to have shut the world out to prevent being hurt again. Seeing your mother nearly beaten to death at the hands of your father would do that to a child, I would imagine. Given time and proper counseling, I know they will learn to cope and do marvelously. I hope you will seek out the help they need, and Audrey will be able to continue it when she is able to join them.

It strikes fear into my heart to think of them being called to testify in their father's attempted murder trial, but I know there is nothing I can do to stop this. I am sure it will help melt a jury's heart to hear the story told by a seven year old.

I assume Mrs. Cohen has not arrived since I have not seen her around the hosital. I hope she will let me know when she does arrive.

Audrey is still drifting in and out, but when she is awake, she is very alert and her head injury has not seemed to effect her memory or reasoning at all. This is a relief since the doctors were very concern she might be serious impaired. She is also starting to breath on her own again. It has been discussed to take her off the ventilator in the next day or two, depending on how she is fairing.

Well, I had best go. I have some work to finish before I leave this afternoon. I will let you know more when I hear. Please keep me updated on Maria and Lacey.

Deb A.