18 months after the return of Andie

Andie Richardson Young is feeling Happy :)

These last 18 months have taught me a lot about life and about love.

I will start by saying that I am very lucky. In the 16 short years that I have been alive, I have been loved by two families. My mama and my dad, Leah and Marcus Richardson and John and Lily Young.

I know that many people have a ton of opinions on my mama, Leah. But, I want to ask that for just the length of this post, that you silence them.

Leah Richardson nee Clearwater is my mama. She made sure I was fed, clothed, bathed, and sung to sleep every night. She walked me to school every morning and picked me up every afternoon. She loved my brother Seth (RIP sweet boy) and I with everything in her. She will always be my mother, no matter what.

Marcus Richardson came into my life when I was 3. He loved me even though I was not his biological child and his family treated me as one of their own. He has always supported and been there for me. He will always be father, no matter what.

I don't know, John and Lily Young very well. They are the people who loved and took care of me until I was 3 years old. They are my parents and we are slowly but surely getting to know each other. We are meeting somewhere in the middle. I hope over the next several years, that we are whole again.

To my older sister Sophia, I'm thankful for your kindness and patience. I know that I'm a pain in the butt sometimes. I'm glad that you were willing to give Maryland and college here a try.

To my newest little sister, Sasha, welcome to our crazy family :)

Second, I did something very brave. Something that I was not sure that I had the strength to do. Something that saved and put both of my families back together. I'm glad that I stood up for myself and the people that I love.

I confronted, Quil Ateara V, a man who tried to groom me to one day be his "perfect mate". The man responsible for tearing my family into pieces. My mother, Lily, was brave too. She finally told the truth to the police and confronted Tribe elders about what they were allowing to happen to me. Our bravery and testimony, allowed Leah to be free.

Tia Rita, thank you for fighting for my mama as well. You never gave up on her or me.

Finally, what is in a name? I have decided to choose a name that would honor both my lives and all of my families. One that bridges the gap between Claire Young and Andie Richardson. Yes, I'm still going by my nickname, Andie, but now I finally feel free and able to be both.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my life. I'm not really sure what any of us is doing, but I am glad that we're all here. Together.

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5 years later

Welcome to the International Tchaikovsky Competition! On the stage and opening for our Cello Category, is 21-year old cellist Cassandra-Claire Richardson Young. There's an interesting story behind Cassandra-Claire. The cellist was once kidnapped, now found.