Melissa,

Though he'd always been one of my closest relatives, when your father moved to Atlanta I got to know him even better. Your father is one of the most honest, true, and caring people I know, but he is also permanently saddened by your absence.  He loves and misses you and so does the rest of the family.  I remember when you were a toddler.  I remember playing with you, and I remember you played with your little cousin, my little brother, Julian.  Our time spent together was limited but special, and when we last parted ways I had no idea it would be so long before I would see you again.  It's been over a decade since I've seen you.  I've finished middle school, high school, college--chapters in your life that you've yet to begin--and I'm about to begin law school.  My Spanish is rudimentary, and I don't know how well you speak English, but I hope one day we can talk again; I hope to share my experiences and stories with you as well as hear yours, and create new ones together.  I can only hope that day will come soon.

Love, Ian