2
Dear Mrs. White, I hope not to intrude upon your privacy, especially in your time of grief, for you don't know me. However, I wanted you to know how closely I have followed, and how deeply moved I have been, by Ryan's arduous, courageous struggle. His experience has great personal significance to me now, for my lover, who is only five years older than Ryan, was diagnosed three months ago with AIDS - related, non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. While the illness was detected very early and his progress under treatment has been excellent, there are times when I find myself overcome with fear and grief at the possible ultimate outcome. At these times the memory of your son's courage, perserverence, even happiness give me solace - although I still can't look at his (Ryan's) picture withouth blinking back the tears. I [next page]
hope that it comforts you a little to think of the inspiration which Ryan and you - have given others like myself, to say nothing of the tangible benefits his efforts have imparted in overcoming the barriers of ignorance, hostility and fear which have so worsened and complicated the tragedy of AIDS.
Please don't feel obligated to answer this brief card - I am quite sure the demands on your time and emotions are too great. I wish you peace and happiness for you and your family. The loss of a human life is irreplaceable, and there is nothing I can offer you to lessen your grief. But I want you to know that Ryan's example remains with me, and makes my own troubles a little easier to bear. God bless you and your family, Alan