Ok.. I wrote it this afternoon. I am not sure that I like it though. We will see.

I wrote one before...may I change it? I have always seemed to have too much to say, because...words help me. Getting words out of my head and onto a page helps me. But, I have been through alot since that first letter, and if it would be alright, I'd like to write from where I am now. Would that be okay?

Oh, and is there is deadline on submissions? I will post it to you, and send you the original...I know where my first original went :(, and I had meant to replace it. Maybe this one will be better :).

Oh, and to those who haven't written like this before, if it's okay, I'd like to say something to you.

I hope you will write, and I hope you will share with us all too. I'm not sure how Matt wants us to do this...I mean, are we supposed to keep the words secret until he chooses to publish...or is this an 'open' work?

But, if you think your words aren't valuable...or perfect...that your words don't "sound" just so -- your words, all of YOU...your words are what keeps me coming here. I have been silent for awhile now...but I come here. I sit. I read. I cry with you...I smile with you...I pray for you...and I learn from you. I learn from you. We tend to look to each other to find some sort of measuring stick to healing. We sometimes end up deciding we fit in somewhere beneath those whom we admire. That is the position of a victim...don't let that position drive you into silence, when...for some of us..the only time in our lives to have the opportunity to be a voice of courage to others is held out to us, we let fear and insecurity dictate our actions.

Please...say what you wish had been said to you - what you STILL wish someone was saying to you. I need to hear it, and, believe it or not, you need to say it. I love you all.

Well, seeing as how Int*gr*s STOLE your letter from me, please do re-write it, Leitha!

I'd suggest keeping your words un-published for now, so that votes can be anonymous. I'll know who wrote what, of course, but I won't vote.

I am truly TERRIFIED to write this and do not feel qualified to do so. But you say that no matter where we are in our recovery you want us to write a letter so I will "suck it up" and write one. (Gladly and proudly but terrified) Uhm when is the deadline?

Must receive by July 24 for the chance to be awarded an honorarium, but that's not a deadline.

Also: let me say that I do not want anyone to feel pressured. It is not my intent to do so, and I hope that's not been anyone's perception. The offer of an honorarium is simply something out of my own pocket to show appreciation. The request for contributions is just a request. Nobody is obligated, and while I truly appreciate the motivation many of you feel, a personal choice to decline would not alter my appreciation of any of you one bit. If you do contribute, please do it for the next generation of survivors who will benefit, and not out of particular feelings for me. This is all, always, about survivors.

I'm in. This is so what I need. I think it'll be hard at first but since I actually have a day off I'll start today. Thanks for this opportunity.

@mockingbird12, thanks so much for your above post.
I re-read what you wrote several times and you captured beautifully in the one post what brings me back to this site.

I have been thinking about this writing for days and am making a "list" of things which have had an impact for me and will later compile them into a letter. I wonder what that letter would look like if I wrote it 5 or 10 years from now???

I love this idea! : ) First I will get out Jenn's letter and then on to this project.

I've received two lovely contributions so far, and one other person has emailed me their text but plans to hand-write it and send it in paper form as well. I really hope to receive at least 10-20. Thank you all!

Im excited about this! Im so there!

I don't know how to write my end. I've written a small novel of a letter (sorry) and I build up to my end and I get so overwhelmed with love that I start crying..and I cant think of a way to express that in a way that doesnt sound insincere.

The worse thing I want to do is sound all hallmarky and not from the heart. I wouldn't want platitudes..although saying that..i used to believe any affection was semi fake. I don't know. How do you express such strong emotions in a letter?

wanted to say..stupid tab button

I have tried this end.. and it either takes another page to write and is too sicky or is too short. Sometimes Im okay with the short..there doesn't really need to be more. But because I am thinking about the one reader who is desolate in their pain and loss i feel like it should be more. Which brings me to the fake hallmark..doesn't matter what i write because they are so in their own pain they'd think i was lying anyway, stressed place. Grr! And i don't mean doesn't matter in a 'no point bothering' way...just that i want to reach them and know i probably couldn't.

Heptet....what i did was write the letter from the perspective of what i would want to know....i realized the letter was actually what i would have needed. My discoveries on my path of healing. Your emotions are yours, its ok to share them in anyway you think . Short, hallmark style or strong and not coddling. Every person is different and needs/wants different types of encouragement. I have no doubt, am totally positive that however you choose to write and complete your letter it will be perfect and helpful to someone....imagine that one person. My best to you!