The Formidable Nancy Reagan
After dinner at the Reagan Library on Wednesday evening, Mrs. Reagan had me escort her from the building, walking with her from the dining room on the second floor, down a long hallway to an elevator, then down another long hallway and out to the drive, where the Secret Service was waiting with her car. For her, every step proved an ordeal. She held her cane with her right hand, holding onto me with her left, taking care with each step.
As we walked, she chatted with my wife. When Edita admired her shoes, Mrs. Reagan named the designer, explained that they were available at Bloomingdale's, then said she valued them because they proved both stylish and comfortable. For the last couple of weeks, she added, she had been having trouble with one of her feet.
"Mrs. Reagan," I said, "everyone would have understood if you had asked for a wheelchair."
Mrs. Reagan paused and chuckled. Then she replied simply, "No way."
Nancy Davis Reagan, who will turn 90 in July, still elegant--and formidable. Que mujer.
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Jul '10
Re: The Formidable Nancy Reagan
Good for you, Nancy! Busted up an ankle once and stuck with crutches until my arms fell off. When I finally succumbed to the "chair" for a few days in a workplace that was miles and miles of hallway, it was a terrible personal defeat and I was out as soon as I could manage it.
Jun '10
Re: The Formidable Nancy Reagan
For someone who's taken a lot of media grief as some kind of sinister presence behind the president, I think she's an admirable and, to use Peter's word, a "formidible" person. She knew her role and played it with consummate grace.
May she have many more good years.
Re: The Formidable Nancy Reagan
God bless her.
May '10
Re: The Formidable Nancy Reagan
It's like the way the President walked into the ER at George Washington University Hospital, Mrs. Reagan is going to leave the stage under her own power.
Peter spoke of the way history may have turned if Barry Goldwater had not let Reagan give his "Time for Choosing" speech. What if Jane Wyman actually had an interest in politics?
Dec '10
Re: The Formidable Nancy Reagan
Perhaps a considerable portion of what made Reagan what he was is attributable to Nancy.
Mar '11
Re: The Formidable Nancy Reagan
We need people like President and Mrs. Reagan now, more than ever. Please.
Jul '10
Re: The Formidable Nancy Reagan
These nuggets You share with Us truly are treasures.
Oh, to have class back in the White House.....