Cedarville University

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Inspiring Greatness
Cedarville University
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Jackie

by Heather Saye Amundson

John Davis sat thinking. He still wondered after all these years how his cousin could have been so courageous. Jackie's life was difficult from the start. As her mother learned of Jackies father's affairs, drinking habits, and wasteful spending, she decided that she and her daughter would be much better off without Mr. John Vernon Bouvier III. Jackie's mother left Jackie's father and married the very rich, but dull Hugh Auchincloss. Because of her step-father's wealth, Jackie was able to attend the most prestigious schools, and became a champion horsewoman at a very early age. But although Jackie may have "had it all," inside she was afraid of her mother and adored her doting father. Jackie's father worshiped his daughter and Jackie returned those feelings. Her heart was split as her mother constantly tried to keep Jackie away from her father.

After Jackie had obtained her degree at George Washington University, she took a Washington photography job, where she met the handsome Senator John F. Kennedy. From the moment Jackie laid eyes on him, she was interested, but their romance progressed slowly and quietly. Finally after many years, they were married in Newport Rhode Island in 1953, which was not only a happy, but sad day for Jackie. As her mother continued to be jealous of her exhusband, John Bouvier III, she successfully schemed to prevent Jackie's real father from giving her away on her special day.

If Jackie thought that life would be peaches and cream once she was married, she was wrong. She had married for money and prestige and may not have anticipated that her "loving" husband would be suspected of having extra-marrital affairs. John and Jackie's relationship did get better as they entered the White House and John began to see Jackie as a real asset to his career. Their difficulty in having children was one of the very things that brought them closer.

John and Jackie had never been closer on that fateful day in November of 1963. That day would change Jackie's life forever. Jackie had gained the country's respect and had stuck by her husband through thick and thin. John had finally come to truly love Jackie. As the couple was slowly making their way through the city streets, Jackie smiled contentedly as she sat beside her husband. Then that dreadful noise rang out.

That shot that was heard across the whole United States. Jackie turned to see her husband suffering in pain. The helplessness of being able to do nothing as she held him in her arms overwhelmed her. The ambulance ride was a blur. All the people. All the commotion. All she wanted was for her family to be safe. The feelings of hurt, anger, love, hate, bitterness, sadness, denial, and dismay must have run through her mind all at once.

Then the official news. Her husband, the President of the United States, was dead. How could she raise two children alone? How would the country cope? Just hours after her life was shattered by her husband's death, she stood serenely by as Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn into office in Air Force One on the way back to Washington D.C..

Walking behind her husband's casket, Jackie was so composed and dignified. Many were awed by her strength and courage. How could she be so peaceful and calm at a moment like this? Jackie had been through much grief in her lifetime, and that grief gave her strength and endurance that only trials can produce. Jackie was no doubt deeply grieved by yet another loss in her life, but she was a true example to the American public, and to the world, of what true courage and bravery really are. Our memories of those tragic moments will live on with us forever and Jackie will continue to be a heroine to many.

"'No woman has captivated the world as did Jackie Kennedy. She was a standard for grace, elegance, style and bravery.' said her admiring designer, Oleg Cassini. (http://world-tele.com/amerivox/avjfk4.htm)"

Sources:

Personal Previous Knowledge

The following websites:

Jackie Lee Bouvier Kennedy


A. Jackie's Youth

  1. Parents' divorce
  2. Schooling
  3. Feelings toward her parents

B. John F. Kennedy

  1. Meeting
  2. Dating
  3. Marriage

a. JFK's womanizing

b. Children dying

C. Texas ride in November

  1. Love - Finally
  2. The shot
  3. Death
  4. Air Force One

D. Presidential Funeral

1. Strength

2. Calm

3. Grieved

Answer these questions from the story


  1. What was Jackie's cousin's name?
  2. What was Jackie's step-father's name?
  3. Where were John F. Kennedy and Jackie married?
  4. What state were the Presidential couple in when John F. Kennedy was shot and killed?
  5. How was Jackie an example to the whole country and world?
  6. Have you ever lost a loved one? How did that make you feel?

Use an encyclopedia to answer the following questions

  1. George Washington was the first President of the United States, what number was John F. Kennedy?
  2. How many children did Jackie have when her husband died? What were their names?

Answers to the previous questions

  1. John Davis
  2. Hugh Auchincloss
  3. Newport, Rhode Island
  4. Texas
  5. Variations of..."Jackie Kennedy was an example of perserverance and courage in the difficult times."
  6. Students' personal account of the death of a loved one

  1. John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States.
  2. 2 children - Caroline and John Jr. (Patrick died two days after birth.)