An Early Passing

Dear John Kennedy Jr.,

You have been gone for a long time, passing away so young, like your Dad. But, I will never forget you, as you were so kind to me when I embarrassed myself.

You did not know, but I was a lowly Editorial Manager for the New York Daily News in the 1980’s. One of my duties was to reach out and engage with important organizations in NYC. But you were kind to me.

I met Mary Holloway,  Director of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY). Her office sponsored many of the City’s events such as The Macy’s Christmas Parade and the Halloween Parade. I admired her tremendously. We developed a close relationship and she became a mentor to me. Mary invited me to many events in NYC . She had a lot of experience and knew everyone in the political and civic arenas.

One morning at one of the ABNY breakfasts she asked me to stick around and meet her in the Blue Room. I did, and began chatting with a very handsome young man who looked familiar to me.  I asked him if he graduated from Hunter. Or, if he lived in Queens. I just kept chatting away and he kept smiling and shaking his head no. I did not know who you were even then.

Persistent me kept trying to figure out why he looked so familiar. Anyway, Mary arrived and said, “oh you’ve met, Carmen this is John Kennedy Jr.”

I wanted to run out screaming I was so embarrassed. You, the son of a President and Jackie O. never said a thing. You didn’t give me away. I think you rather enjoyed the guessing game. 

I was very sad at your early passing. You were indeed a a gentleman with grace and style.  And above all Kindness. Thank you for being so kind to me. I will never forget that day you were kind.

Proverbs 21:21  Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor

Thank you,

Carmen Mattias