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16 January 1989
DEAR RYAN,
Well KID...I gotta tell ya...you're ONE CLASS ACT. I hope you know that. Turning our disadvantages into advantages...that's the ticket...'specially when it's a hard set of changes like AIDS. And you've provided an example for a whole lotta people who need it; people who miss the sunrise 'cause they've got their head down, instead of their chin up...like you, LIVING...that's the hard part. And you've done it better than most of us could ever hope to, with a Style of your own.
I just finished watching the Move on the tube. (Lucas was GREAT). It brought back a lotta memories. I spent a cold winter once, in Kokomo (1972), learning to make glass at Mr. Malones Opalescent Glassworks. I met a few nice people there...but bascially, we're talkin' "Bonehead USA". And I have to laugh when I hear that Beach Boys's song...not mention of the dreaded Freezing Rain.
The other image your story provoked is a more serious one. The DYING Thing. Two years ago the Doctor looked me in the face and told me that the tumor they'd found (cancer...lodged next to my heart...inoperable) would probably do me in within 3 mos. time. Well (sorry Doctors)...my response to their prognosis: "Simply UNACCEPTABLE...you'll hafta do better than that". I learned quickly that fear, & tension, & anxiety...about being sick...about the next treatment...about dying---that is what does most folks in. (After all...I have it on good authority...that..."Dying is Perfectly Safe"). I hope that makes you chuckle. Ryan...'cause THAT'S the attitude. But I think you've already got that one figured out...Right? Well, keep passing it on.
The two biggest problems I've had to deal with: (1) Waiting for the sun to rise each morning...soI can get Back To Work (I'm an artist);&(2). Helping to comfort my friends & family...you know...the hidden tears of those who love you.
But talk is cheap...and we're both still kickin'...so I think we're using the Right Stuff. Hang in there KID...and thanks for being you.
Adam
