“Nothing would make me happier than having you closer to us. I’ve missed you over the years.”

“I’ve missed you too dear. You’re very sweet to say that. I know I’ll never replace your mother in your heart, but I hope I fill just a little of that void for you. It would make me very happy. My own flesh and blood daughter disgraced me. Believe me Bette it was the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life to disown and disinherit her, but she left me no choice. Her actions were malicious and criminal in nature. It was beyond anything that could be forgiven or repaired. You know I’ve visited with her and talked to her over the past year and still she shows no remorse, no regret, no inkling that she’s even been affected by any of this. I know a lot of it is my fault for spoiling her and overindulging her even as an adult. Every time she got into trouble; I was there to bail her out. She came to expect it. She acted like she was entitled to everything and never showed any appreciation. She was never humbled by anything. I understand what you were saying earlier about keeping Angie grounded. I just wish I had learned that lesson sooner with my own daughter.” Peggy is getting very emotional and on the verge of tears.

“Come on. Let’s stop for a minute and sit down.” They sit on a nearby bench. Bette pulls Peggy into an embrace and holds her until she gets control of her emotions.

“I’m sorry dear. I didn’t mean to break down like that.”

“It’s OK Peggy. You can cry with me, you can break down, you can scream, you can do whatever. I’m always here for you. You know how you hope to fill my maternal void … I want the same for you if I can give you something that Helena can’t. But you can’t blame yourself for how she turned out. Granted you spoiled her, and she never learned any boundaries, but there comes a point where everyone must take responsibilities for themselves and their own actions. She made a choice to do the things that she did. She hurt a lot of people. She devastated a lot of lives but look at us Peggy. Look at Tina and Angie and me. We survived and we’re better for it. You’ve given us this wonderful life with your generous gift that has afforded both Tina and I to follow our dreams. Angie couldn’t be happier to have a “grandmother”. She’s never known that kind of relationship and since neither Tina nor I have our parents she never would, had it not been for you. We love you dearly. We will always be here for you. I can promise you that from my heart to yours.”