My Dearest Miss Spaans,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and steady spirits. I write to you not as a stranger, though until recently, I confess I did not know your name or your face. I write to you as your aunt—your father’s sister—and more than that, as someone who would very much like to know you, should you be willing.
You see, it was only quite recently that I learned of your existence. Your father, Don Juan—my brother—was many things: mischievous, clever, and exasperating, and, as it now seems, rather more secretive than even I gave him credit for. To learn that he had a daughter that none of us knew about has come as both a shock and—if I may say so without presumption—a joy. A niece! The first of a new generation! You are already family, no matter how belatedly we have discovered each other.
I imagine this may all be overwhelming for you, and I do not wish to press upon you more than is welcome. But I did want to offer you the hand of kinship, and to say—plainly and honestly—that you are not alone. Whether you wish to know the Dempseys better now, or simply to sit with the knowledge of us, please know that you are thought of fondly already.
Should you ever wish to write, or visit, or merely ask questions about the curious tangle of your extended family, you need only send word. I should like very much to hear from you, if and when you are ready. And if you're not—just yet—that is perfectly all right too.
I live most of the year in Hogsmeade, but travel often to Galway and London, and I’m always happy to make time for a meeting, be it tea and conversation or simply a walk and silence. However you wish to be known, and however you wish to begin—if you wish to begin at all—it would be entirely your choice.
With affection and an open heart,
Your aunt,
Mrs Christabel Daphnel, née Dempsey
@'Kaatjie Spaans'
I hope this letter finds you in good health and steady spirits. I write to you not as a stranger, though until recently, I confess I did not know your name or your face. I write to you as your aunt—your father’s sister—and more than that, as someone who would very much like to know you, should you be willing.
You see, it was only quite recently that I learned of your existence. Your father, Don Juan—my brother—was many things: mischievous, clever, and exasperating, and, as it now seems, rather more secretive than even I gave him credit for. To learn that he had a daughter that none of us knew about has come as both a shock and—if I may say so without presumption—a joy. A niece! The first of a new generation! You are already family, no matter how belatedly we have discovered each other.
I imagine this may all be overwhelming for you, and I do not wish to press upon you more than is welcome. But I did want to offer you the hand of kinship, and to say—plainly and honestly—that you are not alone. Whether you wish to know the Dempseys better now, or simply to sit with the knowledge of us, please know that you are thought of fondly already.
Should you ever wish to write, or visit, or merely ask questions about the curious tangle of your extended family, you need only send word. I should like very much to hear from you, if and when you are ready. And if you're not—just yet—that is perfectly all right too.
I live most of the year in Hogsmeade, but travel often to Galway and London, and I’m always happy to make time for a meeting, be it tea and conversation or simply a walk and silence. However you wish to be known, and however you wish to begin—if you wish to begin at all—it would be entirely your choice.
With affection and an open heart,
Your aunt,
Mrs Christabel Daphnel, née Dempsey
@'Kaatjie Spaans'
I am my mother's savage daughter, The one who runs barefoot cursing sharp stones
![[Image: x2GW7DK.png]](https://i.imgur.com/x2GW7DK.png)
I am my mother's savage daughter, I will not cut my hair, I will not lower my voice
MJ made glory
I am my mother's savage daughter, I will not cut my hair, I will not lower my voice
MJ made glory
