Dear Mr. Barnes,
Today you came and spoke to our school, Old Rochester Regional. I am an eighth grade student there and I want to thank you for speaking to us today. I feel very grateful to hear from someone who had such a terrible experience to tell us what it is like, to understand how terrible and awful the world addicts live in is. Hearing your story I learned about how little of a thing can lead to something as big and tragic as your experience. I feel very lucky to have heard what you said today, and I now feel more courage to say no. My parents and I were talking once a few years ago about saying no (mainly regarding alcohol). I remember thinking, and told them then, “I don’t know if I trust myself.” Now, after hearing how painful of a life that tiny decision can lead to I know I will say no, if I should ever be asked the question. I admire what you did today, not being embarrassed, but rather wanting to share what we can do to be happy. I know now how naive I was before I heard what you said, but I am glad I am not naive, so I can be smarter about my decisions. And knowing I have my life in my hands, there is no way I will throw that life away, after hearing what you generously, kindly, and honestly shared with us today. Thank you very much Mr. Barnes.
