Hard to believe that today marks 20 years since the passing of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Considered one of the most beloved--perhaps the most beloved--First Ladies to grace our history, Jackie was unique in so many ways. Not only did she have an eye for classic, enduring style, Jackie also had a deep love for art, literature, horses, and history. But above all, she loved and cherished her family.
The wife of an ambitious politician, Jackie had courted no dreams of becoming First Lady. In fact, she craved a simpler life, one where her family was her center and her privacy was uncompromised. Despite life in the public eye, Jackie demonstrated an unmatched poise and grace, especially when tragedy struck. And tragedy struck often.
Jackie lost her first child to a miscarriage; a stillbirth soon followed. Children eventually graced her arms, but not without complications. Her last child, Patrick, died when he was only days old. Then, the unthinkable. Jackie's husband was shot and bled to death in her lap. Years later, she lost another man she loved to another assassin. And finally, she buried a second husband after his struggle against heart and health issues failed.
Her greatest joy was watching her children grow into adults.
Fortunately, Jackie didn't live long enough to lose her son. Without a doubt, news of her son's missing plane would've broken her heart, and she might never have recovered from such grief.
Instead, the world bid her farewell, after a brave battle with cancer. Her children were at her bedside, holding her hand.
Jackie taught us how to endure sorrow, even under the worst of circumstances; she taught us what it meant to be a lady, though the cost of being a good, quiet wife was one that few could afford.
We hope she has found peace and rest in eternity, for truly, the world will shed a tear today in her honor.
For those who can't get enough Jackie, feel free to download my novel,
O! Jackie here. Revisit her White House years, and discover how she dealt with her many struggles.
