I'm sure you've seen it in the news or heard it on the radio that America's beloved, former First Lady of the United States, Nancy Reagan, has passed away. She is one of my role models, and it saddens me that I never got to meet her. There are so many occasions in which Nancy stole our hearts, the list could go on and on. Here are a few of my favorite Nancy moments that I hope you love just as much as I do.
1. When she made the White House a home.
Even Presidents get homesick! Nancy made sure that Ronnie always felt at home at the White House. She kept jars stocked full of his favorite candy, brought trinkets from their California home, and even requested for their dinners to be served to them on tv trays.
2. When she brought glamour back to the White House.
When she wasn't busy restocking jelly beans, Nancy and her decorator spent a lot of time and effort into redecorating the private quarters of the White House. White House antiques were brought out of storage for decoration and brand new bathrooms were installed. All of the redecorating was paid for by donated funds, and no public funds were used.
3. When she adorably surprised the President on his birthday.
Nancy honors her husband on his birthday by bringing him a birthday cake to the Press Room. How sweet is that?
4. When she got serious with America.
Nancy had become aware of the drug problem that was becoming more and more hazardous to children and teens in America. After visiting a drug abuse treatment center, Nancy dove wholeheartedly into an aggressive campaign against drug abuse. She visited schools and even held conferences and invited other First Ladies of the world to join her in the campaign. Nancy's endeavors were greatly rewarded by the "Just Say No" campaign, seeing how teen drug use drastically fell when schools began starting "Just Say No" clubs and organizations.
5. When she stayed strong for herself.
Not many people (my age) know this, but Nancy was actually diagnosed with breast cancer while she was living in the White House. She had to have a mastectomy but, thankfully, made a full recovery.
6. When she stayed strong for Ronnie.
On March 30, 1981, someone attempted to assassinate our dear President. Ronald Reagan was shot, leaving him with a punctured lung and his left arm wounded. The assassination attempt is said to have "profoundly changed" Nancy (of course). It was said to have made her a worrier, causing her to take a more aggressive approach to security, policy, and scheduling, which tended to frustrate a lot of people. I don't blame her at all.
7. When she provided positive influence for her husband.
Nancy would often share her own thoughts and opinions regarding policies and political issues with her husband, who in turn, would take them into serious consideration. Nancy often assisted President Reagan during speaking with the press by whispering responses into his ear when he couldn't think of one himself.
8. When she started the Foster Grandparents Program.
This program involved pairing senior citizens who could foster, mentor and be friends to children with special needs. Nancy began this program before living in the White House, but continued to attend meetings and events for several months even after becoming the First Lady. This program is still around today.
9. When she stood by Ronald while he battled Alzheimer's.
When the former President was diagnosed with the disease, the former First Lady fought tirelessly for more research, treatments, and to take the best care of her husband that she possibly could. An article in Esquire Magazine stated that Nancy was a warrior for Alzheimer's research and that research would not have progressed as much as it has if it hadn't have been for her.
10. When she told Michelle Obama to have "lots of parties".
Nancy threw many parties during her reign of First Lady. She had a knack for being a great hostess and always had the desire to entertain. So, Michelle--where's my invite?
Nancy Reagan was an amazing woman who lead a full life. She had tragedies and suffered the greatest loss of her life when her dear husband passed away. America mourns the loss of their beloved former First Lady, but we all know that she is reunited with her Ronnie at long last.