The Price of a Child Assignment

Mia DeSimone
January 30, 2009
Mr. Fiorini
English III
Dear Tyree,
I feel that writing this letter to you is nothing short of my obligation to you as a person and a friend. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude toward you and your family. You helped my children and I through some very difficult and frightening times. You always made us feel welcome. You gave my children the family they never had. Most importantly, you saved Bennie's life.
I was well aware that Pryor would never sell Bennie to me. I never even considered the idea. After much searching, I was lucky enough to find a very kind white man who is against slavery to go to Pryor and buy him for me. I was so afraid that the plan wouldn't work, but by some miracle it did. We are now a true family again. I am thankful every single day because I never imagined this could happen. Although so many good things have happened, I still feel heartbroken in a way. All of us felt this when we had to leave your family. Etta and Mattie miss having someone their own age to play with. Africana and Cyrus were like cousins to them. And most of all, I miss you.
We both know very well that because of our situation, you and I couldn't be what we wanted to be. I cared for you very much, and I know you cared for me. Even though we couldn't be together, you brought a new life to me. You restored a hope in me that died when Etta's father was killed. I thought it was gone forever. You will always be the person who made me believe in love again. Thank you.
There are still difficulties in our lives. Life as a free black woman isn’t exactly what I thought it would be. We are now renting a small apartment in New York until we can afford a little place of our own. I found a job at a bakery, but it isn't much.
Sometimes everything becomes very overwhelming. Sometimes I want to break down and run back to you and your home. But I know that's not possible, and I know that I am stronger than that. I now know that I am strong enough to get through anything. You are the one who showed me that and I will never forget it.
Hopefully, we will be able to visit you all again one day. Until then, please send my best wishes and eternal thanks to your family.
Sincerely,
Mercer Gray