On Tuesday night, albeit having to wake up at 4:30am to take Ryan to the airport, I couldn't stop watching the 2 hour Diane Sawyer special on Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. The story was told mostly in Jackie's voice over tapes from an oral history project recorded nearly 50 years ago. I have always been fascinated with history, particularly that of the 1900's in America. I have also been equally intrigued by the Kennedy family reciting all of the core families' names, spouses, children, and occupations as a child. I was proud of my knowledge and understanding of such an influential yet somewhat dysfunctional family in our country's history. So no surprise really when I became fixated on the program.
As I listened to her voice and her story, I felt a touch of sadness at how unworthy she believed herself to be at times. How she apologized for being a dud during JFK's presidential campaign. How she was pleased and shocked when he was proud of her. How her only goal seemed to be to keep him smiling. In her interview, she admits to shaping and being the type of wife that JFK needed. One who was submissive and much of a shadow. And for a moment, I couldn't help but think that inadvertently in some tiny way maybe the assassination of President Kennedy was a blessing for her life.
She goes on to discuss how her marriage and role of wife to Onassis was far different than that to Kennedy. She was less submissive and more independent as a woman. It was a unique moment for me to hear and see a woman go from meek to bold with such a historic change.
Jackie has already been a fashion icon, but she is also a timeless role model for all women who seek to make a difference, make a place in this world.
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