Misplaced Priorities

(on March 2, 2010 I was contacted by Chelsea Ivie, Shelby's "sister", inquiring about a missing pet. She asked me not to tell Shelby. Well, we don't keep secrets in our home. The following is her letter and my response. I have posted the letter exactly as I received it. All typos and grammatical errors are those of the sender.)

First thank you for caring for my sister I do appreciate it, however I do wish to ask you one thing. Please do not tell my sister that I emailed you please I dont want to stir anything up. I was just wondering if by chance she has brought home a cat by any chance. When my sister gets mad she will do anything to hurt you, well she has caused many problems not only for my parents but for the intermediate family as well, it just so happened that the night of my cousin viewing my cat disappeared from my parent home, I am not accusing her of stealing my cat, however I know that she is mad at me cause I told her not to go to the funeral or viewing cause I did not want her to be embarrassed cause my family would have asked her to leave and would of walked her out. The last time I saw my cat was wed the 17th I have not seen her since. My cat was terrifed of people and she would never leave the porch she was too afraid if she was not on the porch she would be inside, my parents put her outside when they would leave. Please Please let me know if shelby has brought her home I would ask ian but I know he would tell her that I emailed him. If you could give me a call I would appreciate it XXX XXX XXXX again I am not trying to stir anything up or cause a fight I just want to know. Again thank you for caring for my sister.



Dear Ms. Ivie,

Thank you for your letter. My daughter is doing wonderful! As children are a blessing from God, my wife and I could not be more thrilled to have Shelby as a member of our family. She has brought immense joy to our home.

Regarding your inquiry about a cat: no, Shelby has not brought a cat home. On Wednesday, February 17th she was working, so you are incorrect in your assumption she was involved with the missing cat. Although she wanted the opportunity to mourn the loss of a family member, Shelby did not attend. My wife and I felt this to be a selfish request by you and the "family". It is shameful you and the Ivie's were unable to put your disagreements aside long enough to allow Shelby to bury a cousin.

I am sorry for the loss of your pet, but I am more saddened that you are more concerned about losing a cat that you are about losing a sister. You were raised in an LDS home and grew-up learning Christian principles, yet are unable to express forgiveness. Regardless of what Shelby may, or may not, have done she was your family. Your own misspent youth should have been an example. Instead, you and the Ivie's turned your back on her, and continue to reject her now.

Again, my daughter is doing well. She is thriving in an environment where she is loved.

Sincerely,

Darren Somsen