July 18, 1999

So many people are in shock about the apparent deaths of John and Caroline Kennedy, and Lauren Bissette-- especially family members and close freinds of the Kennedy and Bessette families.

John Barlow of Pinedale, Wyoming, has known John Kennedy Jr. since 1977, when Kennedy came to work on his cattle ranch at the age of 17.

Barlow told us that his mother's funeral was yesterday, and that Kennedy had sent him an e-mail expressing condolence.

"You know, he said something that I have been thinking about recently," Barlow said. "And he said, 'Nobody becomes an adult until both their parents are dead.' And interestingly enough, I came home from the funeral and found a piece of e-mail that he sent me right before took off for the airport, talking about exactly that subject."

Barlow said John Kennedy Jr. did talk about a political future, but said Kennedy just wasn't ready--yet-- to change his lifestyle and give up his freedom.