To The Ciasto'sMature

Dear Ciasto's

I can't thank you enough. You provided a wonderful sanctuary for us when Dad did what he did. It was wonderful.

Our family had been friends since I was a little girl. Leigh, you were close friends with Dad. You considered us the "perfect family". 

I remember sitting in the car, weary and soul-sick. All that had happened the past couple of days had worn me down, I was unable to think. Mom said you had invited us to stay at your house while this got resolved. We took the offer, we were sick of hotels and fast-food.

That night, you guys made the best meal ever. I know it sounds so pathetic, but it was the best meal I have ever had. We had hamburgers, tater tots, corn, and sweet tea. I know it may not sound like much, but after 3 straight days of fast-food, being afraid constantly, and homeless it was wonderful.

We stayed in the basement of your house, all 4 of us in a master room. I had a twin bed at the end of the king bed, where Mom and the boys slept. It was just what we needed. We would go in there and watch TV, or play games. Boy, as I write this all the memories flood back.

I remember taking a shower every morning, the only place I knew I could go and cry without being heard. I would cry every morning, singingPraise you in this Stormby Casting Crowns. It had been the song I sang when my parents fought too. 

I would cry myself to sleep, putting the pillow into my mouth to muffle the sobs. Whenever I was upset about something, which was daily then, I would go to that little twin bed and lay down. The smell of that room makes me feel safe to this day. It's a mixture of antique and old flowers. 

The lake you guys lived near, the woods, it healed my soul. We would go outside with your girls, Morgan and Noelle, and just play. It was a wonderful area. 

Morgan, thank you for letting me talk to you. I didn't have many people to talk to then, and though I didn't talk to you a lot, it helped when I did. We had fun during those days, playing games and hanging out. Thank you and your sister for letting us barge into your house for 5 weeks. 

I would talk to you Paige a lot. What I was feeling, what I thought of things. I continued for a while, but then I got fed up with you badgering. I would watch you talking to Mom, leaned forward, expecting. I realized you fed off of drama. I hated that.

Leigh, you were great. You were mellow, you were a man I didn't fear. We would hear you in the mornings, singing worship songs and reading Psalms. You would ask us questions from the Bible, and we would play along. It was soothing. I'm so sorry Dad let you down. I know you tried. He's going to have to want to get better though, I know you know that.

Well, anyway, that was much longer than I intended for it to be. Thank you both very much and love you!

Your Friend.