Gregg Drinnan, thank you for that wonderful update (Vliegenthart decides to retire and come home," The Daily News, Aug. 29) on Jessica Des Mazes (Vliegenthart).

She grew up knowing adversity. Losing her dad at a young age did not hold her back, like it might have held others back. In her case adversity made her stronger.

The picture in the wheelchair (uniform reminds me of her as a Red Angel), and the one on page A7 tells a story of two Jessica's. As an athlete on the Kam High Red Angels soccer team the determination you see in the picture was always there, and as a student in class that smile lit up the room.

In class she challenged others as she challenged herself to understand the world she lived in. She questioned openly all aspects of society and was never shy to talk about every aspect of living.

After her accident I invited her and two other students from the history class she attended to meet at Duffy's for a beer. At that get together, like in your interview, she was optimistic, positive and willing to talk about every aspect of her life. She has a wonderful view of life, adversity and challenges, which she shrugs off as if to say this is one more game, let's have fun and do the best we can.

It is great to hear that Fulton and Company has given her the opportunity to article with them. She will be a great addition to the law firm that will be a positive influence on her as she will be on the firm.

Nice to see Jessica back home in Kamloops. Again, thank you on this article. Please, more like it, as we have many people from Kamloops who have made us proud.

WALTER TRKLA

Kamloops