From: LilDee582@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2003 7:29 PM
To: rwardlow@cortnet.com
Subject: David Damato
Dear Russ,
               Hey Russ, this is David Damato.    I just found my drumsticks that I used to play with in highschhol the other day and I was thinking about all the good friends that I had in highschool that I don't keep in touch with.  You were someone that I thought of.  We played in the band together for 7 years, we roomed together on the band trips, we always had a great time.  We , or should I say "I" , got into some trouble togethter sneaking out of the rooms at night, making fun of the chaperones, and all that good stuff.  It's ok, I didn't mind taking the blame when we got caught.  Then after highschool, I used to come visit you and Mike at Rutgers, same thing. We would stay up laughing and talking about stupid things.  It is a shame that we didn't keep in touch in the later years.  Less then a week before your accident i saw you and your parents eating at Red Lobster.  It was nice to see you and to hear that you were doing so well for yourself.  When you left I remember thinking I wish I had more time to talk to you at the table, but I was a little busy at the time.  I never would have thought that the next time I would see you it would be over the computer of pictures of you in the hospital.  I just recently heard about this, and immediately when I heard there was a web sight, I came to check it out.  No matter what you did in life, you always came out on top Russ.  Whether it was being first chair trumpet in the band, or being captain of the tennis team, and I am certain that this will be no different.  Hurry up and get better please.  You will be in my prayers every night, and I will see you soon.  Bobby and Mrs. Wardlow, stay strong for Russ.  I know that it is hard, but just like you have always been there for Russ, now is when he needs you most.  From an old friend...David