Dear Louisa,

I wanted to write and give you an update on Susan. I am sorry to say she seems to have completely withdrawn. This morning when I came over to check on her and Audrey I found her sitting on the other side of the her bed. It looked like she was trying to hide.When I tried to engage in conversation she utterly refused. The only thing she will say is that she is not leaving her mother. I think given the circumstances, it would be best for Susan to stay here, with the Cohens, and not join her sisters, at least for now. It might be in her best interest for her to stay with her mother until Audrey is able to go to California.

I think as unstable as Audrey's condition is, she would spiral into a severe depression if Susan were to leave. I think this is part of her motivation to get well, Susan being there encourages. More than any other person, Audrey responds to her daughter.

I know this decision is not going to be smiled upon by many people involved in this, but I do feel it is in Susan's best interest. I feel that taking her away from her mother would cause too much mental stress, given her already unstable condition.

If you are wondering. I knew when I first met Susan she had been abused by her father. All the classic symtoms were there. I was just waiting for her to admit it. I know she told her sisters about it last night. That is step in the right direction and I don't think we need to push her to tell anyone else. When she is ready to admit it, she will.

Susan has had to go up alot faster than any seven year old should. Many times she has had to be a mother to her sisters. She feels a responibility to her mother and if she left, she would feel like she was abandoning her, even though she is in good hands with the Cohens.

I will try to write more later, once Susan has calmed enough that I can talk to her. Just thought I would write and let you know what was going on. I thought you might be able to shed some light on this situation. The previous emails to her sisters had been deleted. I guess she did not want me to read them.

Deb A.