Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Here's another letter that really hit home. Hi Jay I just wanted to say how sorry I am to not hear you on WLS any more. I, too, feel like I have kind of grown up with you over the years. When I first used to listen to you nights on WLS was when I was a very young, broke, 20-something living alone in an overpriced studio in Lincoln Park living the "big city" dream having moved to Chicago from Denver in 1990. I used to leave the radio on all night next to my futon while I slept because it was my only company besides my illegal cat (Itchy... now passed away RIP) in the big, lonely city. I listened to you every night and although I never called in, I felt like I was an honorary Nation of Marvin member. How funny that you left and went to Denver, where my parents and many friends still live. My mother used to listen to you and she was so surprised when I told her that I already knew who you were. She said you really expressed her feelings when Columbine happened and noticed how much it changed you. It changed everyone I know who lived there in numerous ways and in ways I can only imagine. Then, you came back just as I finally had the guts to quit my job with The Man (i.e. Big Corporate America) and now I run my own business out of my home and listened to you each morning at my desk while I work as a graphic desinger. I am now a married 36 year old woman, not as broke, but I still remember how you used to keep me company those lonely nights in Lincoln Park. I will really miss you - you seem like an old friend. Good luck to you and I hope you and Mary get settled soon and find yourself in a good place where you deserve to be. Tiffany Thomas Barrington 11:11:06 PM

Today I got this e-mail. All I could say to Jack was thank you. By the way Grant called me this morning. His wife Connie just had a baby boy! Grant' is a very proud father! Jay, I wasn't sure of any other way to contact you via email, but I hope you get this. I have listened to you on WLS since I was about 16 years old. The years you were gone to Colorado were dark for talk radio here in Chicago. We have sparred on-air over different topics and you once called me a "pre-pubescent" little fool when I was called once at 18. I remember the "Nation of Marvin" and "Grant Park". You got me through many late nights studying while attending Valparaiso University. I know you always wanted to work days and that's why you left WLS originally. I can't tell you how disappointed I am to see you go. As I've grown older, I find that you and I share more and more of the same ideas/political views, etc... and it's nice to hear someone representing the other side of the story on air. I want to wish you the best of luck in the future, where ever that may be. I hope you end up on the air somewhere here in Chicago, but if not, best wishes for you and your family in the future. You will be dearly missed here in Chi-town. Thanks for years of awesome entertainment/memories... Your friend, Jack 11:35:14 AM