Tuesday February 19 1035 Fifth Ave. New York Dearest Mike- I was so thrilled to get your letter of Feb 8. I am so happy you feel close to all of us; you are in our hearts and thoughts all the time. You are such an example to us all, darling. The qualities you are finding in yourself come through to us with such thankfulness for your strength and serenity. Can imagine how this enclosed lovely N.Y. Times Dec 10 sent to your gran made us happy! Bobbie Scott (nephew) woke me up, "Look on page 10 of the N.Y. Times, Aunt Anna- good bye!" Edger Pop and I had recovered from rather violent hysteria, we called Louisa who was cooking breakfast and repeated the instructions. She called back all choked up "oh, Mum, isn't he beautiful! After that the phone never stopped all day! Do you remember a vast, nosy Mademoiselle at Buckley who used to check on you before going home (aged 7) sipper, shoelaces, etc.? I was thanking her once, and she said: "Ah, Madame, vous verreg- un jour vous serez bien frere de votre petit Jean de la lune." Think of it often. In one of her interviews Louisa was asked how they boys reacted (over) Page 2 to all this. She answered, as she does in a camera close up, slowly choosing her words; "They are very, very proud of their father; and, somehow, subconsciously perhaps, they are all doing much better in their work. I think they want him to be proud of them." You say you have received 3 letters from me. Mike, I've written steadily ever since that 49th birthday a hundred years ago. You also said you gathered you were not all forgotten. Listen, everything, everywhere is hostages. Not only the public things---1200 truckmen marching in Jersey City- labels on car fenders- bells tolling in every church- but the little things. For instance in Washington Louisa put us in a taxi and ran off to get her car. I told the driver about us- Screaming brakes---- "Lady, you mean to say your son is one of the hostages? Lordy, Lordy, what's my folk gonna say when I tells 'em I was ridin' around with parents of a hostage in my cab! Lordy! Lordy!" How far one's shadow can be cast (Stevenson?) There, in a fifth grade class room of P.S. 171 (90% Puertp Rico) in South Harlem is this enclosed picture on the bulletin board, proudly shown off as "our hostage" Page 3 They the kids tell me when they go to religious instruction, the priest tells them about the hostages, and they pray for you. Hared Megersoll, your 6 ft 6 inch cousin, presiding at a Princeton dinner rose and said, "Gentlemen first of all I'm going to ask you to let me lead you in prayer for my cousin, Mike Kennedy, '52, and all his comrades held hostage" I could duplicate these a thousand times over. It is very hard for everyone to practice the patience imposed upon us all; we must find a good, peaceful relationship between the present Iranian Government and the U.S. Government, but our people's tempers are getting very short. But still there is a change, almost a palpable one over the Country, churches are crowded, people are kinder, strangers talk. Did I write you about Duncan's pen pal? Melvin Posero age 11 wrote me a free composition. "One out- two out- three! Mrs. Kennedy is some pitcher! The Kennedy kids will sure win the serries with Mark, Philip, Andrew, and Duncan, who is the best, etc. etc." I sent it off to Duncan who answered at once "I appreciate you sending me your comp. I love baseball and I am on the J.V. basket ball team ([[?]] from Melvin!) Again with appreciation, Sincerely, Duncan" Written down the left hand margin of the paper: Sandy thrilled over Andrew's Valentine (xeroxed) with the J 24. Loves the idea and will be in NE for a month. Maybe you can have holiday's together!!! Fun!!! (over) Page 4 Melvin's shot a litter right back describing life on 115th ST and ending "I am sorry your father is a hostage, mine is a waiter at the Metropolitan Opera." Next time he is writing in Spanish! Granny used to plan a Scott Theater Co. Maybe we could have a Kennedy television team and make much money. This week you have been on every station (beautiful!) Pop and I three times, and Shirley Temple (Louisa) at least once a day. The boys off and on. Philip talking to the press on the Cathedral Steps, Mark & Andrew praying in the Cathedral. Duncan setting a huge wreath on the Lincoln Memorial for you all, while thousands sang, "Mine eyes have seen the glory". Louisa meeting Duncan & friends as the airport, Louisa feeding Duncan, house guest ("Day of a hostage's wife" C.B.S. 15 minutes) Pop and I were caught twice in your old digs- once leaving with all the families while all the employees crowded the galleries clapping as (I was crying) Once Rosalyn and I laughing in the receiving line because I told the introducer "Mrs. Kennedy- no relation." Pop and I had an interview here, awful old crocks answering dumb questions. All the boys are fine, Brian and His friends hard at work. Sidney is publishing ----- Louisa, just called and read me a lovely letter from you Jan 28. I'm so glad you have good food and wonderful books. Darwin no less! Good night, Mike, I love you so. Mum Written down the left margin: We had a lovely week-end. Sandy arrived Sat. Looks wonderful. Dick here. Louisa & Mark arrived for Sunday lunch. Blooming. We went over all your letters, clippings that are waiting for you. Masie tomorrow. Sandy off sat.