#t.c.marshall

You have dwelled within my arms for so long, and in me you found rest. In me, alone. I was placed here for the purpose of recluses reprieve from the elements. I was here to preserve life, not to be a house for death. I would say that possibly you deserve it. You came to me, not even aware of my existence, and you didn’t take the care needed to know that there were others to whom you could go for assistance when I wasn’t enough. I don’t blame you for your ignorance, I simply wish you had more knowledge when you came to me. Now, they have scattered your belongings all around me. Have decimated my integrity and treat me like scorched wood--at one time useful and life-bringing, reduced to ashes and almost worthless in this place.

You once claimed me, I now claim you. You are the one I choose to create a legacy with. You died in me, and now you also live.

Lou,

Miss Ouiser,

You’re just full of surprises! I’m so glad you let down that harsh exterior and have let yourself calm down. I’m glad Owen us by your side, for your tomatoes, and flowers, and Rhett’s sake’s too.

Miss Ouiser, I am proud that you have brought attention to your faith and no longer feel like you have to hide. I don’t know if that’s because of Owen or Shelby’s passing or just because God decided it to be so, but in any way--I’m still so happy. 

I would ask you to consider going to Camp Crossroads, but I’ll just pray that you keep praying. 

I know you can’t bear to hear Jack Jr. or Shelby cry and that might be because of who they remind you of, but Shelby wouldn’t want us to get mired down. And they’re babies--they do that.

I know you carry a lot of regret--maybe even shame--but there is no shame in praying to God because you don’t know what else to do.

                     I love you, Miss Ouiser!

                                         Love,

Tayo,

There are many things you will never understand, but there are things you know that I wish you didn’t. 

Your aunt is still much opposed to... my aspirations even if she does not say as much. She has other ways of expressing her displeasure which we both know well. 

I am sorry to say that the drought continues, but the rain will come, as it must. The cattle are no where to be found either which means more glances from your aunt. She doesn’t know what to do with herself without you or Rocky here. She attends mass more now than she ever has. Excluding, well, never mind. 

Know what to put your trust in, boy. You can’t go wrong if you remember all that I told you.

Are you ever coming home? I miss you lots and can’t wait to see your smiling face! Everyone here is sad. They wait up late hoping you will show up, but you don’t and they don’t sleep. Carine cries a lot. She wishes you would come home soon. Don’t you love me? 

Love always,