Dear Meggie,

I’m real sorry that I never knew you when you were alive. I met you a long time ago when I was the detective that put the case together that resulted in the conviction of the man who murdered you. He was a man without any natural affection; he had promised to marry your mother to gain access to you. He deceived her so completely that your mom had told me that she would never be able to trust another man again. You mom has always been trusting; she just trusted the wrong person.

It was a real bad time for your mom. She never knew the pain that she discovered by trusting the wrong person to watch over you. She still feels guilty, but I told her that you probably knew that it was a mistake. She still loves you.

Before the man’s trial I met with your mom and her sister once a week for coffee; just to talk. Your mom was such a wonderful person and I was really impressed with the strength of her faith that she showed at such a time.

That’s why I asked her to marry me. Your mom has been the most wonderful wife that you could ever imagine for the past 27 years. You have a wonderful half brother, he’s so much like your mom. He’s 25 years old now.

I want you to know that for the rest of my life I will be taking care of your mom and half brother. It’s really a two way street; they spend a lot of time taking care of me too.

Nothing like what happened will ever happen again; I promise.

I just want you to know that you are still missed.

Love ya,

Daddy Bill, age 58