I have been keeping a daily journal since May 9, 1994. This was a diary entry that I had written but had intended to edit and send to Ed. When Townsend Coleman contacted me and asked if he could read something I had written at Ed's memorial service, I transformed this entry into the letter that I always wanted to write to him...and at last, Ed, though in spirit, got to hear my letter.

April 11, 1999

Dear Ed,

Six years ago today you gave me something to believe in. You gave me a role model to look up to, an occupation to strive for, and a show to be proud of. You have forever changed my life. I know that no matter what happens in the future, after all that you have meant to me, these past six years equal a lifetime of memories. The rain pours down angrily outside my window, but it can not dampen my mood. I have just read my past four diary entries, and now am bubbling with excitement as I write this. Ed, your name in the Talespin read-a-long means so very much to me. The book is worn, your name is faded, and the cover is bent; but the memory of me first seeing your name and realizing my future is something that can never be forgotten no matter how old this book gets. I hope you never feel down on yourself. You have accomplished so much. I remember knowing nothing about you but your name. All I knew was that one day I wanted to know you. You see, I always knew you were a very special man. It was a feeling that I got deep down inside my soul when I first saw your name. I realized that you were going to forever affect my life. I think I realize now why this really isn't National Talespin Day, and why I am no longer concerned with doing "Talespin things" on today. This day is more about you, than your show. Your small black and lower-cased name holds a secret that I was the only one to reveal. The secret of a legend. How lucky was I to find out who you are and then finally contact you last year. You were more than I had ever expected you to be. It doesn't matter what anyone else says, or what happens, you matter the most to me Ed, you are my role model. I would do anything to be like you, anything to accomplish what you have, and anything to tell you this myself. First your letter touched my heart with your sincerity and kindness. Then your card touched my soul by renewing my faith in voice acting, and in myself. I am glad we are who we are, and I would never want to change anything that I have experienced. Six years ago today, I was blessed by God's greatest gifts- the gift of wisdom, which was maturity, and the other gift was guidance- which was you. I know you never intentionally decided to become a role model for a twelve year old girl, but you did decide to correspond with her and be her friend, five years later. You see, that's where we are the same. We both have faith in other people, and I'd like to believe, in each other. Ed, I know I am not really a part of your life, and I can not make myself be, but I would like to be. I'd like to simply say "Thank You" for everything you have done for me, even though it was unbeknownst to you. I hope this letter, though heartful more than anything else, can inspire you. Happy National Talespin Day, Ed.

Laura