I’m sorry to message you through your work email on non-work topics, but I happen to think we may be the same person. Okay perhaps not, as I don’t like to compare myself to an angel (that would just be big-headed), but I am a rather similarly wild (yet anxious) ‘De-mented’ fan!
I recently read Terry Lee Rioux’s book on De, and knew I then HAD to read one of your books as a follow up. And I just now finished reading DeForest Kelley Up Close and Personal.
Over the time taken to read the book, it’s been like a best friend, making me laugh and cry! It was all so hilarious and very sweet, even the saddest moments were so touching and lovely. I didn’t think it possible, but the book made me love De all the more!
I’m only a youngish fan from outside of America, so I never had a chance of actually meeting, seeing or interacting with DeForest myself in this material world, as he didn’t fly out to my home country specifically to attend my Christening as a baby, who may or may not grow up to be a fan of his. The nerve of that man!! How utterly selfish of him, huh!?
So, to be able to live through your own memories with him, was a huge gift that I am ever grateful for you sharing!
I mainly wanted to write to you just to say a ginormous, Warp Factor 10 (I realise that’s speed not size, but let’s ignore that, I was desperate to make some kind of Star Trek reference within this expression of gratitude, but that was all I could clumsily come up with), genuine THANK YOU!
You did so much for Carolyn and De. All their friends and loved ones, as well as the entire fandom, are eternally in your debt for all you did. Thank you for all the time, care, energy, joy, fun, pure love, serval slobber, stuffed raccoons, elephant dung and numerous other things you gave the two of them. I know you lit up their lives, and it makes me so happy seeing how happy you made them.
I always knew DeForest was completely loving and accepting to everyone, especially fans, but it’s still extremely comforting to find such a crazy and similar fan to myself, and know how much De adored you for being that way! It makes me feel all the more sure of his love, and how kind he would have been if I had been lucky enough to meet him.
Sending lots of love and thanks your way, hoping this made you smile and know what a true angel you are!
From a mega fan of De, Carolyn and Kris,
Raye xoxo
PS A weird coincidence happened. Just before reading your book I had started brushing my tongue. So please imagine my dental hygiene themed surprise when I read about your letter on the same topic to the Kelleys! I had never heard the advice of panting to stop from gagging, so I have since tried this out. I must inform you that it has not worked for me.
On this basis, I think you should now sue that Dentist who passed on the panting recommendation, not only for giving false advice, but for also causing a certain Mr Jackson DeForest Kelley to well and truly prank you. I don’t think thirty years or so is too late to open a court-case on this matter, do you?
PPS I forgot to say how wonderful your actual writing is. I love your style so much! As mentioned before, reading your work is like hanging out with a best friend!
Okay, that really is all for now. Oops!
From Raye (again)
