We recently discovered this letter written by our namesake in approximately 1981 and addressed to Frank, a fellow patient during Neil’s time at G.F. Strong (new window). The letter was written using “sip n’ puff (new window)” technology and Morse Code (new window) on the first Apple II computer that Society Founder, Bill Cameron, developed for Neil’s use. Neil encourages Frank to stay with his rehabilitation and assures him that life will improve in time:

Frank,

My name is Neil and I reside across the room from you staring at the ceiling too. At 23 I’m the old man around here because I was injured 26 months ago and have been in this god forsaken place ever since. A car crash left me with a C3-4 fracture that developed complications. Swelling left me with a C1 deficit and now I’m totally dependent on a respirator.

For a guy that wasn’t supposed to make it I didn’t do too badly, but it took a long while. It took me a good year and a half to get over bouts of pneumonia and severe infections but with people’s love, care and support I’ve made it. And of course I developed that inner drive that eventually led me to writing you this letter. Over time I learned to punch out morse code onto a TV screen with the aid of a straw. I’m now starting to use a computer and it’s now one of the reasons why I get up. I’ve got some purpose.

I know it’s presumptiuous [sic] of me to tell you I know how you feel but I think somewhat. And everyone’s told you how you should feel, right? Frustration, rage, confusion, why me? and [sic] especially the future. Well, I can’t give all the answers but I think I can give you some.

Right now it’s overwhelming to everyone concerned especially you. But things will get better in time. TIME is the essence. You’ve got family and friends that are loving and supportive and I know you have that will. You probably can’t see the future right now but in time you will. In a while you’ll get that damn headgear off and your chest and breathing will greatly improve. The rehab staff is just great and they’ll get you on your way. Things will look better after a while and at G.F. Strong your intense rehabilitation will give you great independence. You can retrain again and things will drastically improve from now. You know that it’s no bed of roses but anjustment [sic] is very real. You’re doing it every day. I hope this helps somewhat.

– Neil