December 25, 1999

Dear Rio's Attic,

I would like to tell you what a wonderful job you've done portraying the life of River. Me and my cousin grew up underneath the screen of Stand By Me. My sister walked us home from school the day he died and explained best she could. We both cried but didn't exactly understand it too well (We were only ten or so). I watched more and more of River's brilliant movies. Although it was his job to get into the role best he could... I could see who he really was just by his eyes... and the way he said things. My parents have bought me countless biographies. But they all describe him as such an awful person for doing what he did.

I believe everyone in life has a person that they can just look at and completely understand... and I believe that River Jude Phoenix was mine. I feel so horrible because I know how much he wanted to be left alone. But I don't consider myself as another girl who likes him for what he looks like. I really understand the things he says. They really make sense to me and have changed my way of thought.

I wanted to tell you that you're magnificent people for doing this. Peace be with you.