A Letter From Andrew Wentzel

Paul is happy to be back in a rehab facility -- this time at St. Vincent in Erie. He is in the care of many caring professionals, one of whom has been his primary physician for many years and was also a former student of Paul's at Mercersburg. Without significant developments to share, we thought we might post a letter sent to Paul from an old friend. We post this letter after requesting and receiving Mr. Wentzel's permission. Here is that letter:

Dear Paul,

Yesterday, yes that is absolutely the truth, yesterday I was taking stock of all of the gifts that I have been given in my life. Why? Well, there was a tragic shooting in our town, Knoxville, TN this past week. It was a senseless act against people whose beliefs differed from the shooter's views. Among those who took action to offer a hand of support to the youth of that community was my son, Forrest, who is 16. I could not have been more proud of him.

In many ways he is what he is because of the influence of the people in my life. When I was 16, at Mercersburg, and you turned 30, you were the force which shaped me and propelled me to my life's passion and journey in music. And, just yesterday I was thinking about that. I was thinking about you and all of the times I had told people that you were one of the two or three people who had the most profound impact on my choice to make music my life. I was thinking about that and I was wondering if I had ever made sure that you had heard that message from me. We both left Mercersburg and our paths rarely crossed again but in a very real way I felt that you have walked with me every step of my journey from performing all over the world to, now, primarily teaching students and helping them gain the tools to realize their
dreams.

The news of your fall and all of the challenges you have faced since leaves me wanting for words. I try to compare it to your mo-ped accident on Corfu but this seems to be providing a stiffer challenge. I hear the brave, determined words in your message from the hospital and know that whatever the battle is that you confront you will have the grace and the joy of spirit to take it on and make the choice that will bring light into your life. The fact that you are surrounded by dear friends who care for you without question tells me that you have continued to live your life in the way that so influenced me during our years together.

Please know that you will be always in my thoughts and that if there is anything that I can do for you from my haven in Knoxville, Tennessee all you and your friends have to do is call or write.

With gratitude to you for all you have given me through the past 44 years,

Your cymbal player,

Andy Wentzel
(Winkle)