By Jeff Alexander Senior Writer
April 21, 2002

Like so many Americans, Jupiter resident Cody Klindt has been affected by the events of Sept. 11 and the ensuing war in Afghanistan.

So Cody did what any civic-minded 7-year-old would do -- he wrote a letter to the president of the United States.

And President George W. Bush wrote back.

"My mouth dropped open and I got real excited," said Cody, a second- grader at Limestone Creek Elementary School. "I did a show-and-tell on it at school."

One night in October while Cody's mother Amy Klindt was making dinner, she noticed Cody writing something on yellow Post-It Notes on a table, she said.

When she realized her son was writing to the president, she was not surprised.

"He's very conscientious and very concerned about what's going on over there," Amy Klindt said. "I said, "Wait, Cody, let me get you a piece of notebook paper."'

Wrote Cody:

 "Dear Gorge W. Bush.

 Please pray to God. Your not the only person sorry about this war. Evrybody is so sad. This war is very bad. We will pray more. Thank you for blessing Amairica.

Love, Cody Klindt, Jupiter, Florida."

Cody also included his phone number.

Amy Klindt mailed the letter to the White House.

"I never anticipated hearing anything," she said.

Then, on April 3, a yellow manila envelope arrived in the mail with the words "White House, Washington, D.C.," on the return address.

On official White House stationery, the President wrote:

 "Thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts and feelings with me about the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. I was deeply touched by your concern for those who lost their lives or were injured and for their families and friends.

"Your message tells me that you are caring and thoughtful. During these difficult times, I am encouraged by your kindness and compassion for others. Mrs. Bush joins me in sending our warm wishes to you. God bless you."

Amy Klindt plans to frame both Bush's original letter and Cody's copy to put on their wall. "This was so cool of (Bush) to do this. I really love George W. Bush for thinking of him," she said.