I had written to John so many times. When I really thought I needed an answer I would send a letter return receipt requested. I found this to work to receive replies. I had gotten an autographed picture that way, a thank- you and two letters that would change my life and the way I looked at things. My childhood was surreal. There was a lot of abuse, drugs and guns. There were two specific times I wrote to JD and said I could not bare to go on. The first time I got a response it was nice, and I could tell it was his personal words. When I had written him a second time months later, I did not get an immediate response. I was so ready to give up. The next day the mail finally came, and the letter that changed my life was in it. The words were so personal and helpful that I carried and framed this letter for years. I still have the two letters framed and whenever I need to, whenever I feel like life is too hard, I look at those letters and feel like I get a hug from my special friend, my mentor, John Denver. Thank You John for being there for me.