Read Online Letters to Jackie by Ellen Fitzpatrick - Free Book Online Page A

could not be! A crowd of us ran to the radio department and the world stopped still. Thesalespeople gathered with the customers, about the floor in trance like clusters—some sitting or down on their knees—all straining to catch every word. When what we dreaded came true, we were all crushed, defeated. I was reduced to an automaton—a sleep walker hoping to awaken soon from a horrible nightmare. Plans for shopping put aside, my walk down to the subway was unreal. The man who took my change for tokens; the news vendor; the conductor; the people young and old of all races, suddenly became united by the heavy burden we carried in our hearts. I saw groups of school children with bewildered grief written on their faces. Men and women wept openly and unashamedly. The same scenes prevailed on the bus I took to get to Belle Harbor. There was much silent meditation and prayers and those who spoke did so in hushed whispers—of your husband’s goodness, his great leadership, his intellectual prowess his youth and his accomplishments.
    At home, I found my children at the television set with tears in their eyes. We clung to one another for some one near and dear to us had passed on. We prayed for you and your family—for America—and for the world.
    May God give you strength and many years. May your children and my children grow up unafraid and brave—in a better America because of your husband and the inspiring heritage he left us all. Amen
    Mrs. Shirley Golub
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    DENVER, COLORADO
    JANUARY 12, 1964
    Mrs. John F. Kennedy:
    Please allow me, a cab driver, to offer my condolences to you & your children.
    The day this terrible thing happened—I think about 90% of the people of Denver cried a little bit—Everyone who got in my cab—People on the street—In the stores—patrons—clerks—cops—I saw people just standing on the corner—Just—Just unbelieving.
    Well, I guess we can all shed tears—Mrs. Kennedy.
    I might add—Since this tragic day I have heard so many comments on how well Mrs. Kennedy stood up under it all.
    You have more strength than most of us American People! You are admired for this.
    All I can say is—May God Bless you, “John John” & “Carolyn”
    My heart goes out to you all—!
    Why! Why! I’m still asking myself why —!
    God Bless You & Yours!
Miller A. Alley
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    SATURDAY, NOV. 23, 1963
    Dear Mrs. Kennedy;
    Please forgive me for this intrusion during your mourning period of your very recent bereavement. It is with deep regret that I must write this letter, but in order to regain peace in mind, I feel that I am compelled to do so. As you read on, I hope that you will understand why.
    First, I wish to introduce myself in a rather blunt way. My name, Leonard C. Rice, age 45,—occupation mail carrier,—military service, W.W. II, Korean & USN retired,—local community standing, plain ordinary citizen,—political ambition none,—other ambitions, to raise my family & to live & let live in peace.
    Yesterday morning Friday Nov 22, as I was carrying my route, one of my patrons told me the tragic news that the President met with a tragedy. It came as a stunning shock to me, but as brutal as it may sound, not as a complete surprise.
    After recovering from the feeling of nausea, my mind flashed back to a short time after Mr. Kennedy had become president-elect. My mother in law, mother & father & I were were discussing the prospects of our future president, who we helped elect in our humble way by casting our ballots for him. In our conversation, we agreed that Mr Kennedy would have a very difficult time with his new administration duties in these very trying times, and that he would be under fire during most of the time that he is in office. Also, in the conversation, I made the predictions that I now wish that I had kept my mouth shut & let well enough alone. I predicted that a strong attempt would be made to have Mr Kennedy impeached, or he would be a victim or attempted victim of an assassin. I