This was OUR era. Our parents were Republicans, but there was NO question in those days--JFK was the president of ALL of us.

One of my very favorite days was Nov. 22, 1963--bear with me. I had gone with my dad to Cleveland to which he was commuting, and I was along to shop for my wedding to Brent. I was to buy the wedding rings, and a few articles of clothing. I learned that there was a new opening for me at the hospital(a minor surgery), due to the approaching Thanksgiving weekend. At about 1PM, we all learned that JFK had been shot, and learned shortly thereafter that he had died. That late afternoon, in the winter dark and with snow falling, as Dad and I drove the 70 miles home--on the Ohio turnpike, knowing that every single car was listening to the radio as we were to learn details of this shattering news---Dad and I talked as mutual adults, trying to synthesize this news. Since I was the youngest of 4 kids, and only 20 at this point, it was a very special time with him. Over the years, I have finally realized why I loved this time. We were alone, and we shared a very important day in our lives.

Today I am finishing this book. It was written by a man with an oldfashioned sense of decorum which feels wonderful, and has long gone missing in our lives. To be raised as I was by such fine, bright, thoughtful parents as Bea and Si Houlton--well, I would wish that on anyone and everyone. (library)