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Nancy Reagan: a pillar of strength during a dark week
WINNING EDITORIAL — June 2004
by Jenna Poff, Ada Evening News
As Americans across the country mourned the death of former President Ronald Reagan, his beloved wife Nancy grieved publicly with them. Never did she hide her tears or the sadness she felt from losing her life partner. For this, she should be admired.
Two years after the Reagans received the devastating news the president was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the former first lady made her first appearance without her husband at the 1996 Republican National Convention, speaking the words her husband could no longer speak.
Throughout the years, Nancy Reagan chose to share the family’s turmoil with the nation rather than hide it under a shroud of privacy. As a whole, the country was briefed periodically on his condition and how the Reagan family was dealing with the former president’s tragic disease. Rather than letting it destroy her life, Nancy referred to the 10-year span as “The Long Goodbye” and chose to face it with a smile for her husband, family members and the nation. She was a fierce protector, an advocate for research and the guardian of her husband and his legacy.
Now that the long goodbye has become a final farewell, America can be reassured that Mrs. Ronald Reagan will continue to stand firm and strong in the memory of her husband. While many in the same situation would choose to immerse themselves in sorrow, she will most certainly continue to push stem cell research which scientists believe could ultimately lead to cures for not only Alzheimer, but also Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.
If ever there were an ultimate role model for women, Nancy Reagan would certainly be a choice candidate. Her composure and deep love for her husband truly defined her during the past decade. She was extremely unselfish, never wanting to keep him all to herself, choosing to share what time he had left with the nation that loved and admired him rather than hide her husband from the world during his darkest days.
Anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a loved one can relate to the Reagan family and the sadness they are feeling at this time. But it was through Nancy Reagan that Americans, those that lined up for hour upon hour to file past the president’s casket, or watched the news channels filled with grief, became members of the family and not just admirers of a great man. She remained a pillar of strength and a shining light during a sad time in America. Surely her husband has looked on and is beaming in pride as he waits to be reunited with his hero.
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