A Lovely Reagan Moment
Most nights I try to catch the beginning of Charlie Rose to see what he's covering - I don't always watch, actually I seldom do, but I always try to see who's on. Tuesday night's show was a retrospective on Mike Wallace and the show opened with some clips of some interviews Wallace had done. One of the featured interviews was with Ronald Reagan and it featured a moment I'd never seen before.
Wallace asked the President why the office didn't weigh on him like it had on others and the camera cut to a rosy cheeked, vibrant and twinkle-eyed Reagan and his response was "well, maybe they didn't have a Nancy."
"Maybe they didn't have a Nancy." Here was the most powerful man on the planet and when asked why he didn't get weighed down under the pressure he answered without thinking that his wife's support was the secret to his well being, success and happiness, that they were a team. How old-fashioned, how retro, how lovely.
"Maybe they didn't have a Nancy." Think of that quote and what she withstood for him at the time it was made, Nancy Reagan was one of the most vilified First Ladies, and not for political positions she held, like Eleanor Roosevelt or Hilary Clinton, but for supporting and protecting her husband. Yet she never wavered in her devotion to him.
"Maybe they didn't have a Nancy." With the benefit of hindsight we know what the future held for the first couple; the slow farewell caused by Alzheimer's Disease and the gradual disappearance of the President's spirit, optimism and essence. Yet, he doesn't know what's coming, but he knows he's got her in his corner. And that's all he needs, that's what gives him a lightness of spirit, the ability to carry unbearable burdens. His absolute faith in her wasn't misplaced, his certainty in her steadfastness and support was rewarded, for in the last years of his life, the unbearable burdens would all be shouldered by Nancy, she would protect and care for him until the end and beyond.
So on it's face the quote is a lovely acknowledgement of a proud husband of the value of his wife's support and in retrospect it summarizes all the reasons we hope we select the right mate for life, entrusting our fate into the hands of a person we trust implicitly, who loves and supports us when we need it most.
Maybe, we should all hope we find our Nancy.
- Comment (25)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (5)
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
Comments:
May '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
MY Nancy is named Linda and she cooked Ribs for me last night because she knew I had a rough few days at work. She is a stay at home mom that regularly takes time to thank me for working to support the family.
Feb '12
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
Beautiful story, thanks. There must be something about ribs after a rough day. I too know to make them for my husband when I know he's going to come home beat and frustrated from a day at the office.
Feb '11
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
Beautiful indeed -- thanks for sharing this. I love Reagan. I miss him still.
I made my sweetie chili with ground beef, black beans, kidney beans, jalapenos, corn, and spinach, and homemade rolled biscuits. The tadpoles loved it too. We gave up meat for Lent, and since Easter was Sunday we've been eating lamb, chicken, ham, sausage, and I don't know what all else. I don't know if I'm his Nancy, but he's my Toad Prince and I love him to distraction.
Edited on April 12, 2012 at 3:39pmMay '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
It is amazing to me how a small bit of tenderness from Linda can make all the difference. God made men and women to need each other. I have no doubt he put Linda into my path.
Jun '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
What a great quote. Thanks for this.
I feel quite certain that Ann Romney plays a similar role in her husband's life. She will make a stellar first lady.
Apr '12
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
I'm delighted that my first comment as a new member is in response to a wonderful Reagan quote.
My beloved husband of 32 years is the sort of man who says things like this, usually bringing tears to my eyes. He never lets a day pass without speaking and showing his love. To love him, support him, and to have his back is a joy and honor, as well as being a hoot since his delightful sense of humor also brings tears to my eyes from laughing so hard. Another 32 years will still not be long enough to be with this man.
Oct '11
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
Love my husband, but just to be clear, when it comes to my cooking he regularly "celebrates the effort". But want to hear some interesting? My 21 year old daughter, who claims she doesn't want to ever marry (I hope she will change her mind), and who can best be described as a libertarian-conservative, thinks Nancy Reagan is the coolest woman ever. And it's because of Nancy's devotion to her husband.
Nov '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
Good post. It's what a marriage should be.
Nov '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
I remember reading Nancy Reagan's response to criticism that she looked at her husband admiringly while he gave speeches. Her response was, "What did they want me to do? Count the house?"
Apr '11
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
thank you for making me cry
May '11
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
"Well, maybe they didn't have a Nancy". It is indeed a poignant quote. Sort of like "Today, I am the luckiest man alive."
Edited on April 13, 2012 at 2:47amMay '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
This could not be a more apt description of the woman who completes my life, who is my life's richest blessing.
May '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
Sweet and lovely.
Nov '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
My daughter, 12, was reading Tom's Proverbs quote over my shoulder and read, "Does not eat the bread of idleness." Then she said, "That's a perfect description of you." I had to point out that her compliment was poorly timed--it just didn't ring true since I've been sitting here reading Ricochet while dinner dishes wait.
That Proverbs passage is beautiful, but the virtuous woman is someone I admire from a distance. My habits don't exactly elicit awed comparisons. If I weren't conservative, I'd hold Ricochet responsible.
Mar '11
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
Wow, so many beautiful stories of great marriages - I am truly inspired.
And I loved that story about President Reagan. He was quite a catch himself, though. A few years ago, Nancy published the letters he wrote her, many of them while he was in the same room. So sweet! It's called 'I Love You, Ronnie: Letters of Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan.' Reading that made me appreciate more than ever.
Nov '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
Yet, he doesn't know what's coming, but he knows he's got her in his corner. And that's all he needs, that's what gives him a lightness of spirit, the ability to carry unbearable burdens.
That is inspiring.
May '11
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
Sawatdeeka, surely you jest. Posting on ricochet is the very antithesis of idleness. My wife has been saying for years"you need to be a writer". Now that she has read my postings here she says "stick with your day job".
Nov '10
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
SP, I need you to tell my family that. Especially when we run out of clean socks. Not that that has ever happened, or anything.
Dec '11
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
The genius of Reagan was his wit and wisdom. On the podcast, Rob Long told Reagan that he voted for Mondale. His response was, "You were one of the few". He took a difficult situation and turned it into gentle joke at Rob's expense.
Reagan' response to Wallace shows wisdom. Instead of going political he went personal. Instead of taking credit he gave credit. Instead of criticizing he went for the we were lucky to have Nancy.
Conservative are often looking for the next Reagan. Maybe we should be looking for the next Nancy. She was know for the phrase "Just say no", but I am glad when Ronald Reagan popped the question she just said, "Yes".
May '11
Re: A Lovely Reagan Moment
You have got me there. Clean socks are important. Except where I live. No Southern Gentleman goes out in public without loafers over sockless feet.