
I have been trying to find the words to go beyond just saying "thank you." However, there are no words that could show my appreciation for the experience you gave to Sean and my family. Maybe "doh jeh saai" is more meaningful for how I feel.
Sean has not stopped talking for one minute about the reunion with you. From the moment he set eyes on you going up to the stage, you could see and feel his excitement. Personally, I have never seen that look on his face. He listened intently to every word you said on stage. Sean picked up on your charitable nature and remembers what you have done and continue to do for the children in China, especially the building of schools and providing the tools for a good education. I told Sean "Now Jackie is what I call a role model and someone to look up to."
When the story was told of your encounter with him in the hospital, I wish I could read minds. It was like closure of a chapter in his life that is and will now remain in the past.
When you asked him to join you on the stage, he jumped out of his seat. The photos I have of Sean up on the stage with you were simply incredible. Sean has such a look of pride. It was as if he was soaking up every bit of positive energy in the house and he did! He is such an all-around good boy in every way.
Sean thoroughly enjoyed the Loft and especially the album with all the Buddy Bears. He could have spent the day just looking at all the different pictures. When he sat at your desk briefly, he looked around as if to say "What would Jackie be doing here right now." He was also fascinated by all the different kinds of memorabilia that you have collected. So was I for that matter.
Then came the Studio with all the toys. When he watched the raptor move to the clap of hands, he couldn't keep his eyes off of it. It took Sean a while to figure out what made the raptor move. I laughed away watching him on that set. And the finale was outside when you called him over to take a ride on the Segway. He ran to you like a gazelle running on the open plains. I tried in vain to keep up with him moving through the crowd.
I am so glad I took a lot of photos because the happiness in Sean and the family showed through on just about every picture. Your big heart and thoughtfulness showed through just by making this once in a lifetime experience a reality and I thank you again!Before I end this letter, I would like to quote a statement Sean made to me and one that my daughter Jill said. When we got back home after the tour of the studio, Sean said to me "Do you think I could invite Jackie to come over and play with me?"
After Jill chose your denim jacket to redeem her black Lucky Star, I asked her why she couldn't make a decision on what item of yours to pick. Jill said "I really felt like I was stealing something from Jackie he really really liked, so I couldn't choose."
With kindest personal regards,
Richard Kligler
And Richard added:
Katharine, I will now type a letter that Jill hand-wrote to Jackie. I guess I will leave in some of the misspelled words. I will leave it to you to edit as you see fit. [No edits were made.]
Dear Jackie,
Thank you for the jackit. It was so cool I brought it to school. Everybody was surprised that it was yours. No one has seen you live in my class. It was nice meeting you and I also I loved your show.
Love, Jill
Well, in so many ways I am sorry it is over. I could spend day after day with such a good feeling all over. I guess that's what makes the experience all that more special!
And...I really owe you a great deal of thanks for everything you have done. I will never forget your first call to me the day after you got the email and package. I am amazed where it all went! You have helped me become one of Jackie's biggest fans and one of yours! I look forward to keeping in touch.
Best regards,
Richard
More photos below
To read Sean's letter to Jackie, click here.
To read the story of how Sean and Jackie met, click here.

Sean talks to Jackie onstage.


Sean presents Jackie with a very special gift: a pen with the photo of Jackie and Sean from the hospital.

Sean models Jackie's jean jacket while a thrilled Jill and Richard look on.


Sean gets a ride with Jackie on the Segway.
Photos © 2006 The JC Group
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