As a very young mother of 3 small children with little adult contact during my day; Mr. Buckley’s columns in the morning paper gave voice to what I felt and could not articulate.  Certainly, not as he did.  I would read his column with a dictionary at my side.  The columns led me to his books, and those of many others.  I will never forget reading “Witness”, while changing diapers, cooking dinner, and cleaning up children’s messes, with the book in my hand and tears in my eyes.  And, the Blackford Oakes books, how great!  I’ve never been sailing, but I know about it because of his books.  I learned so much from the books and his columns.  They were my “continuing education”.

In the many years since, I have been active in political campaigns, served on state party committees and supported every true conservative I can find.  I have been active in my church when it was sometimes difficult.  In large part, it is because of the inspiration of this amazing man.    I actually was watching when he was called a “crypto Nazi” by Gore Vidal.  I will never forget his reaction.  He was always able to skewer his opponents with his intellect and his wit, and rarely anger.

We are blessed that he was in this world and he will be greatly missed.    May the good God comfort his family and friends.  
Carolyn Ledet