Irwin Luck, 22, of Miami, Florida, had found out about Baba the previous year from his younger brother, Edward, who had been in a New York City public library and "by chance" checked out a book titled Listen, Humanity . Edward phoned Irwin and said, "I just read a book about a Spiritual Master in India. I think this is someone you should know about."
Irwin was already interested in God and felt himself inwardly guided by Him. He went to New York and after reading the book was impressed by Baba's love and his statement that he was "the Highest of the High." Irwin and Edward were determined to meet Baba and to know him as he really is.
In late 1959, Irwin contacted Fred and Ella Winterfeldt. As soon as he entered their apartment he "felt an incredible sense of well-being. Baba's presence was intense." He wrote to Baba, stating that he was planning to make a trip to see him, though he had little money. Within two weeks he received a reply from Baba, which stated: "You may come and see me for one hour only," and instructed him to get in touch with Nariman Dadachanji when he landed in Bombay.
Six months passed, but as hard as he tried, Irwin could not raise the plane fare. Correspondence continued between himself and India, and he received permission to bring Edward, who likewise wanted to meet Baba. Baba cabled on 5 April 1960:
If [your] father agrees to bear expenses, Baba permits you both come to India middle May only to see Baba with or without father for two/three days staying in Poona. Cable decision Meherbaba Guruprasad Poona for further directions.
It was mid-May 1960 by the time Irwin Luck read the Family Letter in which Baba's circular of 7 May was given about the cessation of darshan from 10 June, and Baba's going into complete seclusion until the end of the year. Irwin became desperate; his chance was slipping away. He sent another letter to Baba, which read: