by B Torres

July 19 , 2005

Mr. and Mrs. Nearburg,

First I want to say that I don't think you know who I am, but Anna can tell you. I don't know if you are the ones who check for new remembrances of Rett or if Anna does. That doesn't really matter, the point is that I showed Anna something I wrote about Rett a few months ago. She suggested that I submit it to you and I told her she could go ahead and show you what I had written. I haven't had a chance to ask her if she did, so I'll take matters into my own hands.

Saturday 4/16/05
What Rett’s father, friend, and uncle said at his funeral has been posted on his website. There is a link, which asks to leave a remembrance of Rett. This is mine (although "remembrance" wouldn't be the right word for it):

I never knew Rett, never saw or spoke to him, never knew of his
existence until the day of his death. But he’s changed my life,
not directly, but through the only connection I have to him –
his sister, Anna. His funeral and the things that were said
about him were probably what affected me so deeply. I’ve lived
my life recklessly and ungratefully and Rett’s death gave me a
new point of view. This stranger’s death has helped me become a
slightly better person and I am forever grateful. Seeing Anna at
school reminds me that there is much reason to get out of bed in
the mornings, even in the grimmest of times. Visiting Rett’s
website keeps me in check, it helps me reflect, it keeps me
grounded – it gives me hope.

I'm not quite sure how to wrap this up so I'll just end by sending out my best to the both of you and Anna.

-B Torres