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Swan River School District Letter
May 25, 2007
February 14, 2007
Dear Barry,
I just wanted to say that your hour at Red Mountain High School was one that the students will remember for a long time.
You, as a parent spoke from your heart and the love that you shared with your son Kevin. I know that you have a great mission in life to share with teens.
I wish you success, health, and encouragement as you make your way to Wyoming. May God give you strength to complete your mission and take care of you as you share your great loss with people along the way.
Thanking you again, I remain.
Sincerely yours,
Nurse Ellie
Red Mountain High School
January 25, 2007
Barry,
Last night I read the e-mail you sent to my DAT class (that you spoke to last week). It generated a discussion that I wish I could have recorded for you. The class agreed that you will be sharing Kevin's story until you are old and gray and 100 years old. They also said that they will check the website during your walk to see how you are doing. I know that all of our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will, of course, be there for the launch to support you all.
I am so glad you forwarded this e-mail because I know there are many more parents (and teens) that feel the same way, but never take the time to send you an e-mail. A parent tonight told me that she saw you on the news at noon last Wednesday and the story really touched her. She is from Montana and said that it is a very far way for anyone to try to walk! Then she was shocked when her daughter came home from her DAT class last week and told her about your appearance in her class. She was pretty amazed that she and her daughter both heard your story the same day and it sparked a discussion between them. Her daughter (an A
student) was drunk at school and now they are in family counseling to get help. Something very good did come out of this situation because your appearance on the news and in the teen's DAT class opened up the lines of communication between this mother and daughter.
Take care,
Maria Bushard
M.S.W, L.M.S.W
Youth & Family Counselor
Town of Gilbert
“A Mother’s Thank You”
January 25, 2007
Dear Mr. Adkins,
First and foremost let me say how sorry I am for the loss of your son, Kevin. I cannot imagine what your family has had to endure. The reason for my letter is that I want you to know what an impact you had on my son recently when you spoke at his high school in Fountain Hills. I believe you spoke on a Thursday or Friday. It wasn't until a few days later that he brought it up first to me in private and then again later with family at the dinner table. He was very touched by the story of your son. He was very saddened by the broken heart that you are left to deal with.
My son Allen is going to be 15 next month. He is a great kid with a lot to look forward to. This past summer we found out (through his 21 year old sister) that he was sneaking out in the middle of the night (after we had been long asleep) to drink with his buddies!! Let me tell you, I was absolutely stunned!! In the few days that it took me to have an alarm system installed I caught him coming back in the house, very drunk. We knew we had to take drastic measures. We took him to counseling, etc., etc. We told him more than once that kids can die (accidentally) by drinking in excess...but you know, I really don't think he believed us.
I now know in my heart that he has been changed by your visit that day to his health class. I have been getting more "I love you's & hugs." Every few days I catch him shaking his head, and when I ask what's going on....he either tells me he can't believe you are going to walk that far, or how sad he is about your tragedy.
Over the Christmas holiday, I had all of our old videos transferred to DVD, the kids had not seen them ever!! For the first time he saw himself as a little boy growing up. The reason I mention this is that he talked about watching the movie you had of Kevin growing up and realized that this could happen to any young man (like himself) who just made a mistake.
*We will be praying for you on your journey* Again, Thank you for sharing your story*
Respectfully,
Carolyn White
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