...over the death of a public figure. The only other one that comes even close is Johnny Carson, another icon of my youth. But Johnny had been retired for more than a decade before he died. I had time to say goodbye. I didn't have time to say goodbye to Peter. One thing I've been doing that helps is watch old tapes of Peter. I first started doing it after I saw Peter's announcement that he had lung cancer. The fear in his eyes frightened me, and I wondered if his doctors simply told Kaycee and the kids to just take him home and love him. The tapes brought me little comfort then because I couldn't stop crying. But now that Peter is gone, hearing his voice whenever I want makes me feel better. I STILL need to hear that wonderful voice, so I've started adding to what I'm going to call my "Peter Collection". Right now, all I have is "The Century", but I've ordered the "Reporter" and "Millennium" specials from the ABCNewsStore and will order other programs as time and money permit. Damn, this hurts!! But it's getting better.

I hear you. This has been the worst for me, with Frank Sinatra's death a close second. I was in college when he passed away and my friend and I spent the whole day crying and blasting Frank's music from speakers in our dorm that were pointed outside in the direction of the college mall. Most people enjoyed our efforts, but the Residence Life Coordinator was most displeased with us (which made it even more fun...I hated our RLC!).

Even when John Lennon died i was upset for the day. peter's loss is much harder to handle for me. i haven't stopped cyring yet.

Yes, I'm devastated every day and actually in pain when WNT comes on (which I watch for him). I've had amazing dreams about him. I try to figure out why. I try to find logical "reasons." I think... presidents come and go (8 to be exact) but he was there every night! Every crisis! He was always there: omnipotent, caring. Presidents and politicians and celebrities minister to themselves or special interest groups. Peter Jennings was all about us, about the world... I found a great site where you can post your thoughts in a more lasting way. I feel like ABC isn't listening and that this board, like all news, will eventually pass. Go here and share your thoughts. I just discovered it: http//www.thankspeter.com

Before Jennings died, I hadn't cried in about 3 years. And I was really thinking that I needed to do so from both a physical and mental health standpoint. Well, as the old adage goes, be careful what you ask for. Cause I'm certainly having a few teary moments just out of the blue. Of all of the people in broadcast that remain, I guess Ted Koppel comes closest to the level of intetellectual honesty, intellectual clarity, knowledge and manners. Knowing that he is still on the planet is a big plus. And in the fullness of time, when and if Peter's family speaks of him, that will be nice.

I too grieved for him as I hadn't been able to for a long time, even for those close to me, partly because there were no barriers up, no protection from his loss. Yes, Ted Koppel, too, is a prince. If he's really retiring soon, we'd better make sure we tell him how much we appreciate him before we miss that opportunity as well and regret it ever after.

I would like to see Koppel honored by the English Government. He brings great honor to the Brits. He brings great honor to all of the groups that he is a part of or associated with. If that isn't feasible, then perhaps ABC should do a tribute to him and televise it. Then beg for him to come back at his leisure. Television needs him. The new talent shows promise. But it takes a long long time to acquire a voice of authority ala Ted, ala Peter. There are lots of us boomers out there that appreciate people with experience. The importance of that wise voice is obvious more now than ever.

As I spoke of Peter to my neighbor who is a pastor and who has guessed I have some issues with God, I admitted that I have never greived over anywone, my parents included, like I have Peter. Peter has left such a mark on my life that I figure no one else ever will. Whether itis healthy or not I think I'm moving into he the anger stage of my grief. Why didn't Peter go to the doctor sooner? Certainly he was more important to us than any news event.