Independence

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Independence >		 Jackie had the means, and certainly the celebrity, to live like a queen. She could have had an endless line of limousines, opulent homes, exclusive resorts and lavish parties. Instead, Jackie wanted to create a real life for herself – one of independence that did not as simply define her as the widow of two important men.Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis had written poems and stories since her earliest childhood, edited and contributed to the writing of one of the most important administrations in the United States, moved in the widest possible circle of international intellectuals, artists, and authors. Combined with her intelligence and unerring sense of style and aesthetics, Jackie had been groomed her whole life to edit books. On September 22, 1975, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, the most famous woman in the world, began her job as an entry-level Associate Editor at Viking Press.

Jackie shocked her coworkers at how seriously and brilliantly she worked in her new position. She quickly learned the specifics of the publishing business, and used her natural talents to acquire and edit her first book for Viking. She never expected preferential treatment, waited in line for office equipment and made her own coffee. She was excelling on her own terms, putting her formidable mind and experience to work.

Her private life was more serene than ever. She began to come to terms with the experiences that had deepened her appreciation of everyday life. She spent most of her time working on her beloved books and enjoying as much time as she could with her family. She never lost her glamour and remained the undisputed queen of the social set. She alighted at select events with the beautiful people, but she definitely preferred home-cooked meals and quiet evening at home with her children above all else.

She began a fulfilling relationship Maurice Tempelsman, a financier and man of great sophistication.  They allowed each other to “become more themselves”. Maurice was extremely discreet and kept a low profile which met Jackie’s love of privacy.  However he was understanding about the rush of public interest that followed Jackie everywhere.

Throughout this period in her life, Jackie’s commitment to her children never wavered. Caroline and John were her proudest achievements and they experienced remarkably normal childhoods considering their extraordinary situation. Both children were deeply involved in charitable causes and working hard to make life better for others.

“They were brought up unspoiled, modest, hard-working, well-mannered…”, said historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr.

In 1993, Jackie contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a terrible form of Cancer. She spent her last years fully and joyfully, always looking to grow and learn. No one could ever remember Jackie complaining during her ordeal, even when she was in great pain. Jackie moved many people to tears with her generosity when she often seemed more concerned for others than for herself.

On May 19th, Jackie left us, and her son informed the waiting world:

“Last night, at around ten fifteen, my mother passed on… surrounded by her friends and her family and her books and the people and the things that she loved. And she did it in her own way and her own terms, and we all feel lucky for that, and now she’s in God’s hands.”

From a shy and witty girl growing up in Jazz-age Hamptons, to the blinding brightness of her reign as First Lady and its end as a mourning widow, and then a literary life she defined on her own terms, Jackie lived with grace and courage and commitment. The bells at the National Cathedral tolled 64 times on the day of her funeral, once for every year of her extraordinary life. It was an extraordinary life indeed, and the world is most definitely a better place because of Jackie Kennedy.