“Can we send a message?”
“Yes. The coordinator has offered to pass along your request. Their grandmother can decide whether she wants to respond.”
“That is exactly how it should be handled.”
Marcus hesitated before adding that the girls’ grandmother, Denise Brooks, was raising them. Their mother had died several years earlier, and their father was not involved in their lives.
The family received some community assistance, but Marcus knew little else.
“We shouldn’t investigate their circumstances beyond what is necessary,” he said.
“I agree. Please send a simple message. Tell Denise I’m recovering and would appreciate the opportunity to thank the girls, if she’s comfortable with it.”
Two days later, Denise agreed to speak with me by telephone.
Her voice was warm, though understandably cautious.
“Mr. Caldwell?”
“Thank you for taking my call. First, I want you to know how grateful I am that Lily and Emma noticed I was in trouble.”
