AIDS Children

One of the mothers The Times interviewed stated that she wanted to keep the fact that her child had AIDS (“Children With AIDS: Learning to Lie,” July 27) a secret because the family was afraid of what would happen if people knew. She pointed out the Ryan Thomas family in Atascadero and noted they were practically run out of town. I’m sorry that the media has given everyone this impression because it’s really not true.

Ryan’s father, Robin, has worked for us off and on ever since Ryan was 6 months old. We have a retail business in Atascadero and he is currently employed by us. We have seen many acts of kindness and friendship toward the family during this very trying time.

Two of the people who were the most outspoken against Ryan going to public school were very good customers of ours before all this became public knowledge. They are both still good customers of ours and have worked with Robin on their paint projects. We had a talk with one of the ladies and she told us that she is glad Robin has a job to support his family. She is always asking how Ryan is doing. Many people have called us to offer help and encouragement to the Thomas family. Sure, there are those who shun the family but, thankfully, they are few.

I am proud of our community and its citizens and the way we have survived all the bad media attention. It’s too bad someone hasn’t done an article on the good that has come of all of this.

PEGGY E. COTE

Atascadero