Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 19:08:26 -0600 From: Daniel Stepnoski Subject: Root Beer Boys Epilogue Root Beer Boys Epilogue October 28, 2002 I'm not sure anyone even remembers this story, but for those who do I feel I owe an explanation. Two years ago next month (Nov 2000), shortly after I published part one of Root Reer Boys, I published another story entitled Growing Pains. Several youngsters wrote me about those two stories as did several adults, but one young 16 year old was unique. Peter had been terribly abused as a small child and desperately needed to know the love of a Dad. To make a long story short, Peter became my son. For the past year, hardly a day has gone by that we haven't spoken by phone at least once and often twice. Peter lived in Melbourne, Australia. I live in Texas, USA. Peter died last week of complications incident to his battle with cancer. My wife and I were to have traveled to Melbourne for his high school graduation in December, and we were hoping to bring him home with us. I'm not sure I will ever finish Root Beer Boys or Growing Pains. I had great plans for both, but the desire to write has left me. Peter's last letter to me, written just a couple of hours before he died, made reference to Growing Pains with these words: Never forget, Dad, you gave me that first bit of hope with the story you wrote. I hope too that it brings the same hope to others as it has to me. I also hope that my stories have helped other boys to grow as they perhaps struggle with being gay. Peter accepted it as a part of who he was, and I am proud to be able to call him my son. Micrometer69@hotmail.com is no longer an active mailbox. If you wish to comment, you may write to me at danielstepnoski678@hotmail.com