Dear 8-year-old Kayla,

           

           You were just a young girl…

            Tossed into a world of adulthood

            Without question or complaint.

           

            Mom and dad left you,

            Left your big brother

            And who was there?

           

            You were baby girl.

            You were everything to Will.

            Cook, maid, sibling, parent.

 

            Others tried to advantage of your innocence

            Most succeeded.

            It turned something so sweet...

 

            Dark!

            Cold!

            Distant!

 

            How could mommy and daddy leave us?

            How can we do this alone?

            How can they touch us there?

           

            It is ok lady bug!

            You are doing great!

            Keep helping Willy worm.

 

            Mom and dad are playing adult things

            You can’t play now but when you get older

            You can play with:

           

            Mary and Molly

            Tina and Tar

            Just like them.

 

            But PLEASE don’t baby!

            You are smart and beautiful!

            You have to take care of Willy worm.

 

            Grades, clubs, Will, community, work.

            Focus, Focus, Focus

            Make something of yourself.

           

            You are doing it honey!

            All by yourself.

            You’re making something for you and Will.

 

            You have conquered:

            Abuse, depression, poverty

            For you and Willy worm.

 

            You are in college.

            Farther than your parents.

            I am proud!

 

            Keep the story going…

 

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                                    Mikayla