By Rod Day

Dearest Daughter Danice,

I am sorry that it has been so long since I last wrote. By the time this is printed (provided it is printed), we will have reached 59 weeks (413 days) that you have been gone. I seem to be having trouble writing "politically correct" or "investigative correct" letters that won"t hurt someone"s feelings or, supposedly, get someone hurt. I guess the hurt that I and your family go through daily is not as important as stroking the egos of those who have hurt you and left your babies without their Mom.

Speaking of babies Ã? Joshua is doing fine and Kaylie seemed okay the last time we saw her.

>From what I hear, Kaylie is going to have a new baby brother or sister. Boy, Kaylie"s dad is quite the man. "Love Ôem and leave Ôem" used to be the old saying among the "stud" bachelors. But, in this case, it appears to be more like "Love Ôem and dispose of Ôem". (Dear God � I hope there"s not a pattern forming here). How many times, Danice, did you drop, or refuse to file, domestic violence charges on that boy?

I understand that this girls" parents are in denial just as I was. My heart goes out to them. I just hope her parents take the "blinders" off when all the "tell-tale" signs begin showing up (ie: bruises on the arm, marks around the eyes, and yes, even the reports of being "accidentally" kicked in the stomach while pregnant). Of course, the boy is being "Mr. Wonderful" right now. I remember, not too long ago, how you were telling me how great he is. But you won"t tell me that now Ã? you CAN"T tell me that now.

Am I angry? Ã? Yes.

I haven"t hurt anybody. Well, except maybe those closest to me who watch me go through this every day because I am so preoccupied with the "wrongness" and "unfairness" of what has happened. (The Ôcommittee of They" tell me I should be over the anger stage � Not a chance!)

God tells me to "forgive" Ã? not yet!

God tells me "Vengeance is His" Ã? well, O.K.

But know this, Danice, - those who have hurt you are like an organ with a malignant tumor and sometimes the organ has to be removed to get rid of the malignancy. (And it will happen Ã? the investigators promise me this).

I Love You, Kiddo!!
Dad