Anderson Cooper

Dear Jane,

I don’t know if you will actually see this letter, but I certainly hope so…you have touched my life, and my mother’s in ways, that in the retelling of the story, might seem just a little choreographed.

I happened to see your interview with Dr. Oz on December 13th, 2011. I was very touched by your candid and heart-felt story about your mother, her abuse and your forgiveness, and all of this coming to you in your 60s.

I too have a story of my mother’s undiagnosed depression, suicide attempts and final willingness to stop fighting for her life. She passed at age 63, in 1991.

When I was a young girl, we lived in New York City, my mother was about 35 and a struggling actress. It was 1960. This was her dream. She took acting lesson at Circle in the Square and dancing classes, and as it turned out, you happened to be in some of her classes.

My mother never realized hr dream of being a successful working actress, and I think she was never really able to bounce back from that reality.

Speed ahead to 1980 and I’m living in Los Angeles now. I am starting out in my career as a graphic artist at an ad agency on Wilshire Boulevard, and then out on my own as a free-lancer. I remember signing up for classes in the morning at “The Workout” on Robertson Boulevard in Beverly Hills because they would fill up by the time I got off work.

I see the irony of your presence in both my life and my mother’s. As a woman who clearly defied traditional roles and impacted women’s lives, you were a source of inspiration for both my mother and myself. My mother was ahead of her times in 1960 seeking an identity outside the home, and I’ve wrestled with these similar struggles, but had the advantage of people like you , and she, who paved my way.

I am now in my 60th year, I have chosen to live my life as authentically as I can. I am a painter and educator living in Santa Fe, NM. I have started on this last chapter of my life, by choosing to pursue my dreams, I still find guidance and inspiration in your story and your example.

I have often thought there must be a bond of some type among women who have had to find their way without the nurturing and guidance of a mother… and fortunately there are women like you, who have been there to help us.

Thank you.

Erica