Jacqueline Kennedy
By Phyllis Fox

November 23, 1963 is as clear to me as if it were yesterday. I was sitting in 8th grade choir when an announcement came over the PA system. Our principal informed us that our President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, had been shot and killed. We were instructed to go home. For the next few days we were riveted to our black and white TV sets.

Across the TV screen were images of a woman who deeply touched me; her name was Jacqueline Kennedy and she was the wife of our deceased President. She remained calm in a sea of chaos. With cameras flashing their bulbs in her face and reporters shouting questions to her, she remained strong and focused on what needed to be done. Her outer beauty matched her inner strength. I was totally mesmerized by her.

On the day of the funeral, there wasn't a car on the road or a person outside. Everyone sat in their living rooms glued to the images on our TV screens. Not a word was said by anyone; we were all feeling such profound sadness and shock.

Jackie, as she was known, was so strong that day. She showed her love for her children through her actions, both verbal and non-verbal. I remember her bending down to comfort her children and talk softly to them; I cried when I witnessed this profound affection.

She made a huge impact in my life and I know she was a major female role model for me starting at a young age and continuing throughout my life.

Here I am at 60 years old remembering her standing as her husband's casket passed her. Caroline and John-John stood by her side. That scene is implanted in my memory forever. She was the epitome of grace in the face of adversity.

Jackie was able to make an impression on a 13-year-old 8th grader to live life with grace and humility and to love with all your heart and soul. She was what a mother should be.

Jackie has made me who I am today and I thank her for showing me the strength a woman can have.