Here is what I did, I used the warp tool on the "best wishes" and created a path with the pen tool to create the string.  I duplicated the path and set my text on the path.  I selected both paths (the one with the text and without) and divided them.  I was then able to delete the parts of the path between the letters.  When I liked it, I combined the remaining bits back into one piece.  Thanks for the informative class.