It all started around the winter of 1963. In November when my husband and I went to Texas. And in the motorcade. He was shot in the back and I pulled him closer to me to get a better look. Then of course, he was shot in the head. Except it wasn't in the front like everyone predicted. It was at the back. When we got to Parkland Hospital, the doctors told me there was more a chance of survival if he was shot in the rear end of the head. And he was. Governor Connally pulled through smoothly but Jack had a painful recovery. 

After about two hours in surgery, I was still sitting in Trauma Room One before Doctor Carrico told me that Jack was in a private room, and he'd escort me there. Together we went in and I saw my husband there. 

November 22nd 1963

Parkland Memorial Hospital

Jack's room

"Mrs Kennedy, your husband has just survived the painful surgery of removing the bullet from his back and sealing the wound at the rear of his head" Dr Carrico explained. Jackie shook in fear as Dr Carrico explained the President's condition. 

"Will he ever wake?" Jackie asked. 

"Excuse me?" Dr Carrico asked confused. 

"From his coma?" Jackie continued. 

Dr Carrico nodded. "There will be major improvements soon" Dr Carrico stated. He left the room to let Jackie be alone with her husband. Jackie sat in the seat next to his bed, cradling his hand in hers. She sobbed, her tears falling onto his gentle skin and then rolling onto the bed covers. 

She then felt a hand rub at her hair. She looked up, in hope it would be Jack. And it was! Smiling radiantly at her. 

"Hey kid" Jack smiled. Jackie cried now with tears of joy. "Oh Jack!" They embraced before Jack caressed his wife's cheek. "Jackie, this may be a shock. But I want to be dead" Jack sounded serious. Jackie was confused. "What?!" She whispered. "Why?". Jack explained. He said he wouldn't be able to be President and be in a wheelchair, not on the campaign. 

Jackie understood. "I want you to announce to the nation that I am dead. Get a coffin and put me in it and fly me back to Washington, except keep me hidden". Jack tried to explain it to Jackie but she completely understood anyway. "I understand". Jackie nodded. She agreed. She'd make Jack dead.