Letter two...

Matt Herndon is a boy. He is a very nice boy. A very nice boy indeed. I met him at University in the USA, loved him immensely and have only kept vaguely in touch with him. Often since then thoughts of him have passed through my mind and, when a beautiful little lady suggested that I write todays 'one of a hundred' letters to him, I immediately understood the wisdom of this. If anyone can teach me how to be a better person it's Matt.

Dear Matt,

I'd like to begin this letter by pointing out that though I am without doubt a friend of yours and, I hope, vice versa, we have never been particularly close or had a 'bff' type relationship. I say that not to offend or beg (since I'm pretty certain we will one day reach this level) but to point out just how wonderful you really are. Despite the fact that I can currently only say we are 'casual friends' or 'close acquaintances' I feel obligated to write a letter to tell you what a ridiculously wonderful person you are.

I'm not doing this because you're going through a hard patch, run out of money, recently dumped etc. because none of those things are true or, if they are, I don't know about them. I'm writing to you because when I asked people who buoys them up, makes them smile or is there when they need someone it is your name that repeatedly comes up. So who is this singular female (for she is a female) that specifically told me to write to you today? Who loves you so much? Who so you may indeed ask. I shan't share. She may or may not decide to tell you but, regardless of this possibility, she's out there, around you and adores you...quite rightly of course.

Please Matt, stop blushing. For once just sit down and listen to us tell you the following. YOU...ARE...COOL. You're cooler than cool, you're icy cool, you're...this is getting embarrassing even for me actually. You're no Saint of course, even you do shitty things...I mean I've never actually seen nor heard tell of these things BUT I'm certain you can't really be perfect. You are, however, a very interesting young man: exciting to be around, pleasurable to meet and comforting to have as a friend and ally. I, like others, can be certain of aid or kind words if I reach out to you for them. Even something as simple as agreeing to be in a new, scared and silly little English students Directing I scene and, may it be pointed out, doing a kickass job of it, brought happiness to ahem...that one little silly English student, not to mention the rest of the cast and the audience who enjoyed your performance immensely (if McGibbon's marking was anything to go by ;)). Working with you in the US I learnt that you're a truly decent guy, great to be around when things get tough, always willing to go the extra mile and sticking with any commitments or promises made no matter what the circumstances. Teachers and students alike are awed by your talent and your attitude. Amongst other things I've been asked to comment on your sense of humour, your big smile, your generosity, your humility, your supportiveness and the fact that you never have a bad word to say about anyone.

I'll stop now. I realise that you're partly happy about this, partly embarrassed and, quite possibly, wondering if people are gonna think you've engineered this whole thing to look smug. Oh you weren't thinking that. Hmmm. So I'll just sign off by saying that I miss you a lot, I am so glad I got to meet you, work with you and laugh with you. It sounds like you're still busy being Matt so continue the good work and I'll see you soon I hope.

Lucy

P.S. Don't feel that this letter means you have to go on being such a virtuous being. You can break out and rebel now. It's all in writing to show what a morally efficient person you've been up to now.