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[redacted]
[redacted] P.A. [redacted]

Jan, 20, 1989

Dear Ryan:

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am a 33 year old man
who works as an electronics technician for the [redacted]
[redacted] Transportation Authority.

WHen I spoke to your principal the other day, he saw no
objections in my writing to you.

I have been following your story for quite some time. In
fact, when your case history made the headlines a couple of
years a go in People Magazine. I felt that I didn't have the
proper words of encouragement to offer you.

The times have changed.

Ryan!

What an inspiration you are ! You seem to have an extra
ordinarily strong will that sets you apart from the others. Your
unflinching determination towards your goals should set an
example to people in all walks of life. Virtually anyone else
who would have been faced with your seemingly unsurmountable
odds would have felt defeated and conquered. But you have taken
the challenge that you are facing and decided that it must not
stand in the way of your life's dreams and aspirations.

In the Spring of '83 , the noted lecturer and professor at
UCLA. Leo Buscagalia was in the Philadelphia area. Not wanting
to passs up the opportunity to hear his lecture, I purchased a
ticket and took a few sheets of paper with me. One of the comments
that he made was so universal that I'd like to share it with yu now.

A wonderful realization will be the day you
realize that you are unique in all the world.
There is nothing that is an accident. You are
a special combination for a special purpose
and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You
are a special comination so that you can do
what it is essential for you to do. Don't ever
believe that you have nothing to contribute.
The world is an incredible unfulfilled tapestry,
and only you can fulfill that tiny space that
is yours.