DEAR ABBY: As a lonely, mixed-up teenager in the 1980s, I developed a huge crush on a disc jockey at a local radio station.
I would call him at least once a night when he was on the air, and he was kind enough to take my calls and speak with me about whatever I wanted to babble about as long as he was able.
My parents hired him to DJ my Sweet Sixteen party and, even though fewer than a dozen kids showed up, he was professional and gracious throughout the whole ordeal. The highlight of the party was when he danced with me after he started playing “16 Candles.”
I followed him to radio station events and was basically a general pest. He was nothing but kind, understanding and patient.
Now in my mid-50s, I realize I had some undiagnosed mental and social issues throughout my childhood that weren’t discussed and dealt with at the time, and I regret much of my behavior back then.
I never had boyfriends in high school or college. I married the first guy who took a serious interest in me. He left after seven years and two kids.
The DJ is still involved in radio. He has since married and had children and, while I admit I was a tad jealous when I heard about it, I have grown to be happy for him and his family. He still holds a special place in my heart for being so kind and patient with me at such a weird time in my life.
I decided I wanted to reach out to the DJ with a letter, thanking him for being there for me when I needed someone to talk to, for putting up with me for so long and for understanding me even when I didn’t understand myself.
I am not looking to interfere in his happy life, but I don’t want to wait until his funeral to say how grateful I am and how much he meant to me.
Should I write and send the letter?
— DJ SAVED MY LIFE
Dear Abby: I was his weird teen stalker, and he saved my life