To the Editor:
I had a chance to read the piece by Charles Degelman, “The Crash,” Part One, that you published recently. I never realized how a story could rip the scar off an old wound. I was 13 when the Rosenbergs were executed, and my parents were very active in their defense committee in New York.
I could not believe what happened to me in reading Charlie’s piece. I experienced a time warp that I have never incurred with any other piece of writing. I was immediately in my parents’ home, feeling the very tensions and pain that took Charlie’s father away from their soap-box-derby project. I could hear the voices and see the faces of people I haven’t thought about in years — it is now 50-plus years later for me — but the skill and emotion that come out of this little vignette truly stripped time away and sent me back to the “bad old days.” I wish I had the words to explain the experience, but I’m not sure there are any.
I hope you will continue to publish pieces by Charles Degelman and that you have received similar positive responses of deep emotion and amazement from other genuine Red Diaper babies.
The story is so important not only for its artistic and writing qualities, but it is about something that is beginning to be forgotten in the horrors of today’s world, with places like Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib becoming household words. I thank you for the courage and understanding that made you select this piece for your readers.
Very sincerely, and very moved,
Nancy Mikelsons
