Re: Erica Campbell / Erica Rose Campbell
Since it's unlikely Erica will read (or respond to) that e-mail I sent her on Monday, I'll just summarize here. She might be more likely to read my concerns that way.
Erica, if any of this seems insensitive, I sincerely apologize in advance. I'm not the most emotional person in the world. I just had to let you know how I feel about some of the things in your goodbye letter.
1.) It seems like you want to believe you're a bad person. Erica, you are a
very good person. The fact that you help so many people and animals proves that to me beyond any shadow of doubt. There's no reason for you to beat up on yourself.
2.) You we're right to think what you were doing wasn't porn. There was never any (realistic) sexual act performed in your work so, there's no porn. Occasionally masturbating or pretending to have lesbian sex with other girls doesn't really count in my opinion. I think of your work as erotic art, and I think you should you.
3.) I'm not comfortable with how you characterize your work and yourself as a ‘Sinful Band-Aid.' You're much more than just some lonely stranger's fantasy.
4.) There was a passage that caught my attention.
'I have been looking so long and so hard for someone to love me. Love ME for ME. Fill that hole in my soul. Complete me.'
That speaks volumes. This makes me think that you're trying to use faith to substitute for a boyfriend. I know that sounds insensitive but, I'm not sure how else to explain my thoughts here. I've known people who tried to use faith to solve their problems in life. It never worked for any of them. Hopefully, you'll be an exception to that rule. Also, I find it hard to believe that
anyone would find it difficult to love you for you. How is that even possible?
5.) Did you notice how you mentioned your family more than God or Jesus? I certainly did. I also suspect that someone has undue influence over your decision-making process. I hope that's not the case.
6.) Another phrase that caught my attention was
Sin isn't ugly....it's beautiful.
What was that supposed to mean? It seems to be an incomplete thought.
7.) You say you want us to feel God's peace. Well, I became a Christian when I was 9. I don't feel any more or less peaceful than I did before that day 17 years ago.
8.) You also say you won't desert us fans. Does that mean you'll eventually rejoin the discussion on this board? A new site for the fans and your friends?
Also, I understand your silence as of late. You've had a tremendous paradigm shift and it's going to take some time to adapt. I've had one as of late myself but, not because of your retirement. My best friend's wedding on May 4th beat you to the punch on that one.
However, you did make me think about a lot of things and reminded me what it means to feel empathy. For that, I am eternally grateful to you.
9.) Christianity is great. I'm very fond of it for it's very open-minded philosophy. Unfortunately many so-called Christians (especially TV Preachers) aren't so open-minded. They often say things like 'There's only one way.' Please don't be like them. You are much better than that and deserve better too.
And finally...
10.) Well, whatever happens, I really do wish you well. You're one of the most beautiful people (inside and out) that I've ever heard of or experienced. I really hope I was helpful here because, that letter just screamed loneliness. You obviously needed a friend and I am here (and praying) for you as that friend. The real you is
much more interesting than the model ever could have been anyway...
Admiring you always,
msbae