Letters to Jackie Read Online Free PDF Page B

DARBY, PA.
11/22/63
2:00 P.M.
    My dear Mrs. Kennedy.
    Even as I write this letter, my hand, my body is trembling at the terrible incident of this afternoon. I am watching the CBS-TV news report. No official word as yet. I’m not of voting age yet but I am old enough to understand the political and diplomatic relations of the world. When the President was campaigning, If I had been old enough, I would have voted in his favor. I knew that then and I know that now. Not because of his youth, his religion, his personality. But because of some indistinguishable influence, perhaps more defined now after a few years, almost a full term, after his election.
    I’m writing, I know, but what I want to say, I can’t put into words. Perhaps you can read between the lines. Not just “I’m sorry to hear….” but more.
    Good God! Help us! Help us! Three assassinations are now history and I never thought I’d live to see one, even a thwarted attempt which was close but not, Saints help us SUCCESSFUL. It is a terrible thing to live through.
    I can’t go on writing now. It’s too much. My prayers are with you and those involved.
     
    Larry Toomey
11/22/63 2:45 P.M.
    ----
    DALLAS TEXAS
    DEC. 1-1963
    Mrs Jacqueline Kennedy
     
    First Lady in our hearts.
    I live in Dallas, a city bowed in sorrow, and shame. I am 76 years old and live on a social security check
    I must pour out my heart to you if my feeble hands will hold out to scribble a few lines.
    I was at Lovefield, when you and John steped from the plane. I was the first man to shake his hand, (from behind the fence barricade). That was my life’s fullest moment.
    And you! The camera’s were on you, most of that dark day. Heaven must have fortufied you for those hours. No Pen or brush nor gifted tongue could have accurately portrayed your stature in lonliness. Humility, bravery, fortitude, beauty, strength, faithfulness, loyalty, loveliness, and grandure, Rolled into one Sweet Mrs. Amerec of the Ages.
    Very Sincerely,
J.E.Y. Russell
----
    GRAPEVINE, TEXAS
MAY 28, 1964
    Dear Mrs. Kennedy,
    The following letter is a copy of a letter that I wrote to a parish priest (Episcopal) who moved away from this area some time ago.
    I thought perhaps you would know by this letter that there are those who will never forget your husband and who will always miss him. Even now, six months afterward, unexpected tears spring to my eyes every time I see a film of him on television. Even now it is so hard to believe. I whisper to myself, “Surely this can’t be so!”
    Your beautiful picture on the cover of Life and your article prompted me to write to you. I hope I have given you some comfort.
    Most sincerely,
Janice Crabtree
(Mrs. W.C.)
    November 27, 1963
    Dear Father,
    May I share a few thoughts with you about the tragedy? Nothing has touched me so deeply in a long time. I had seen President Kennedy just three or four minutes before he was shot. I had planned all week to go to the parade in downtown Dallas, but the morning dawned foggy, misty and ugly. Billy insisted that I stay home and watch the motorcade on television. But by 9:30 a.m. I couldn’t sit still any longer. I put on my oldest raincoat and overshoes and dashed to Dallas. I parked way down on Pacific, and was the last car that that lot could take. Excitement was in the air, and I was glad to be alone so I could soak it up without the necessity of polite conversation with anyone. I walked slowly, trying to kill the long wait…. Finally I decided to go to Neiman’s Zodiac Room for a snack, but they were having a privatebrunch until noon, so I sadly turned away. As I did so, I saw the Beauty Salon, and right there decided to get my hair cut. I was happily surprised that they could take me. I told them that I couldn’t wait, because I wanted to see the President.
    When I came out of Neiman’s with my new haircut at 11:10, crowds were already forming. It was quite heartening, because I had worried so about his reception in Dallas. I