Friend of Jackie's (FOJ)
Jackie Silver was one of the best friends I ever had.
Jackie Silver befriended me and my sister, a couple of confused hicks from the hinterland plopped in a basement Rock Creek Park apartment, with a kantor upstairs who drove my mother nuts with his constant chanting. She had no idea what he was doing.
Jackie Silver took my hand, his smile land laughter ighting the way, and led me into a world I didn't know existed.
He introduced me first to Sue Sachs and then to the gang at Rock Creek and then Summit Hills and then Monkey Hills. He kept at it, and soon I was surrounded by what I affectionately call a tribe of friends who remain--and I mean this--the most influential people in my life. And all the while, Jackie never stopped smiling.
Jackie Silver talked to me for hours and hours on the phone; he turned every babysitting job into a party; he taught me how to French Kiss--not to betray his dear Barbara but to show me what to do when I met my love.
When I think of that life altering year, I think of you all. But first, I think of Jackie.
I am grieving tonight, as I know we all are. But even in my sadness, I remember Jackie\'s brightness, his kindness, and the way he made me--and everyone--happy. I am so very glad I met him and knew him. I am so happy I saw him at the reunion, where I told him how much I loved him. Thank you, Jane, for bringing us all together. And thank you, Jackie, for coming so far to see all of us who hold you so warmly in our hearts.
I love Jackie Silver. Always have; always will.
Jackie was not Silver; he was Gold.
When I get to heaven (do Jews believe in heaven?), I hope Jackie is there to greet me again.
Please, if any of you know of a memorial or book or anything to which I can contribute, let me know.
And as we contemplate this awful occurrence and remember our dear friend, let us renew our ties with each other and get together again soon so we can honor Jackie, whom I think was everyone's best friend.
With love to you all and, especially, to my dear and forever friend Jackie.
Mary
Mary Fontaine