A public letter to Mr. Wayne Gretzky


Dear Wayne Gretzky,

      I was saddened when I heard about your retirement.  Saddened, but 
also happy.  I understood.  I looked at you, at your face, and I knew, I 
understood.  There was joy and sadness there too.  But it was right.  It 
felt right.
      I remember the first time I saw you on the ice.  You were so 
graceful, like a swan.  I almost cried thinking about it right now.  You 
brought beauty to the game.  You were beauty.
      That joy will always be there.  So too the joy you have brought to 
all fans.  It is something that cannot be lost.  Wherever we go.
      I wish you well.  We all wish you well.  In whatever life may bring 
to you next.  Safe journeys.



                 Maria del Rio
                 April 18th, 1999