"Here We Are" by John Tackett

Here We Are
by John Tackett

Right here in Plano. When I say we, I guess that means "me, myself and I." Well, that also could mean the ducks. They gather around by my door, both doors, in fact, my front door and my sliding glass door that opens up onto a miniature patio.

I'm not sure whether the ducks can talk - or hear or understand - but when I open either door and go "quack, quack," they come a'runnin'. It's like when I was a kid and I would go out in the barnyard with a hand full of corn. I'd sling the kernels out into the air and say "chick, chick!" And here the chickens would come.

Enough about the ducks and chickens.

What I really intended to convey here is how it is to be living in Plano.

As a newspaper reporter for 40 years I have had little feeling or memory of Plano.

It's probably not fair - but I can't help it - the thing that sticks out in my mind is the memory of Marina Oswald. She was the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who shot and killed President Kennedy.

I remember driving to Marina's house after the assassination and speaking to her in her garage. She had a little daughter at her knee. It was cold in that garage. And I was scared, because I was in the national press corps bus on Nov. 22, 1963 and heard the heart-breaking gunshot from Lee's Italian Carcano rifle that blew Kennedy's head asunder.

Marina had cool blue eyes. They some how looked through me. I hope I never see those eyes again.

But I know now I must look at Plano in a different light.

It was not this town that harbored the wife of a president-killer, anymore than Dallas could be blamed for killing John Kennedy.

It's hate and evil that bring on killing not a city, not a town.

Now I see Plano my new adoptive home, as a place for love for living.

And ducks.

About the Author

John Tackett is an award winning journalist, and he was News co-anchor with Jim Lehrer on Dallas's Channel 13's newsroom. His most famous articles where of the JFK assassination. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Arlington.

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URGENT NEED TO TALK TO YOu
ginger <GingerGOlub@Earthlink.net> - Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 22:10:46 (EDT)

You will always be with us we all love you very much and miss you too. We know your doing well and will for eternity. This is a great piece you have written. We love you very much. Can't wait to be with you again. Love GCF youth:) Every thing you wrote stays with us, and remains a part of you down here
faye - Tuesday, March 09, 2004 at 08:30:15 (EST)

John:
It's good to see you writing again. There may be new readers who don't know you as one of the best journalists in the state. Or, as Racehorse Haynes once said (when asked if he wasn't one of the best lawyers in Texas], "Why limit it to Texas?" The ducks reminded me of the dove story you wrote nearly 40 years ago and the question your little daughter asked you.
Bill Hendricks - Saturday, August 16, 2003 at 19:06:07 (EDT)

Dear Sir
I've visited Plano on 3 seperate occasions over the last 5 years, stayed a few weeks each time with relatives.
Each time I go to Plano I head for Dealy Plaza, check out all the theories, and generally get a feel for
for the horror that occured there and relive my own memories. I have never heard of any connection
re Plano and Marina Osawld before.
While playing golf at Pecan Hollow one time with a local ( a guy who grow up in Plano), I asked about the assasination and
got a very cold, lets leave that subject alone response which I of course did.
Can you please fill me in on the connection re Plano/Marina O.

Thanks, by the way, I love Plano it's a great town, safest city in the U.S.A. as I understand it.
Ron Moorhead <ron.w.moorhead@pwgsc.gc.ca>
- Friday, August 09, 2002 at 14:57:23 (EDT)

How did you end up in Plano?
Jim Cullen <jcullen@austin.rr.com>
- Sunday, July 07, 2002 at 16:43:57 (EDT)

You have piqued my curiosity not just about Marina Oswald but about Plano Texas as well. Small towns are a treasure trove of wonderful stories about who shaped the town and the town shaped whom. I look foreward to more tales of Plano.
Patricia Cresswell <redoaks@thunderstar.net>
- Sunday, April 14, 2002 at 18:50:15 (EDT)

I'd leave out the ducks and write about Marina. I think I must have missed your point.
LouHarper <luharper@brightok.net>
- Friday, April 12, 2002 at 17:50:00 (EDT)

I like the photo of the ducks... and that you've found something good from a town that once held negative associations for you. I hope you decide to write more about your encounter with Mrs. Oswald - I'd absolutely love to read it! (twisting your arm):)
Connie Scott <conniescott@alltel.net>
- Tuesday, April 09, 2002 at 18:25:37 (EDT)

I suppose there are ghosts in all places, but we usually live amongst them unaware. Coming after the ducks and the safe and warm home feeling, the mention of the eyes of Marina Oswald's gives one a little shiver.

Cecile <cecilehare@go.com>
- Tuesday, April 09, 2002 at 04:43:16 (EDT)

This was very well written, but I would like to read more about your meeting with Marina Oswald. Maybe in a future issue?
Judy Dixon <jdixon03@tampabay.rr.com>
- Wednesday, April 03, 2002 at 16:42:10 (EST)

Thanks for telling the duck tale as well as relating the tidbit about Marina. Hate is a people thing, indeed!
Sue Turner <SusanT1466@aol.com>
- Tuesday, April 02, 2002 at 15:38:58 (EST)

I would love to read more about Marina Oswald. I have read just about everything I can find on the JFK assination, and find her story to be fascinating. Thanks for your memories.
Molly <grimmysmolly@aol.com>
- Tuesday, April 02, 2002 at 10:47:49 (EST)

Well, I was very pleased to see another Texan in Kudzu Monthly. You have experienced things that only others and I could dream up in our imaginations. This was very well put...home is where we put down our roots and feed the ducks. Little things mean a lot to each of us, even if we fail to recognize them. This made me want to call the wild birds from atop the trees down to feed so that my children could play with them and create a lasting memory for them. Who knows what will remain a part of us, we can only cherish those times and try to live with what comes our way. Keep up the great writing and feeding those ducks.

Sirrus Poe
Sirrus Poe <sirruspoe@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, March 31, 2002 at 22:55:32 (EST)

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