One Brief Shining Moment

bobby and ethel

“That baby was so beautiful. You know Jack’s Irish mystique. When we buried him [the baby], I asked Jack, ‘Just give me something for Patrick, to remember him.’ So he found this one.” [She held out her hand; there was a ring with emerald chips on it]; “and so I have one for Jack and one for Patrick.”  –Jacqueline Kennedy, 11/29/1963

Audrey Hepburn, Sabrina, 1954

"She was an enchantress, inspiring love and beauty. And fairies never quite disappear altogether."

One morning in February, Ethel walked into the drawing room of Hickory Hill to find a picture of her and Bobby from their wedding day placed on the coffee table instead of hanging in its place on the wall. Upon examination, she discovered a powdery residue on it. Clearly, someone had been using the glass to snort cocaine. In her mind, this was one of the most sacrilegious things she'd ever heard of..she was "absolutely inconsolable for hours." That night, David didn't show up for the dinner, usually not a big deal. But this night, the Shrivers were holding a meeting with the third generation, hoping to get them involved in some philanthropic activities during the coming year. It was to Ethel's considerable embarrassment that her 4th born was absent. Afterward, he finally made an appearance, looking tired and disheveled. Throughout the time Sarge spoke about the importance of public service, mother and son glared at one another.

Finally after Sargent finished his talk... Ethel pulled David into the kitchen by his arm. Concerned about a potential blow up between the two, a couple of his siblings followed them, as did two of his friends. "How dare you show up looking like this?" Ethel demanded to know of David. "What is wrong with you?" David didn't answer. He just stood in front of his mother looking defeated. "And was it you who used the wedding picture of me and your father to do drugs?" she demanded. "It was you wasn't it? Who else?" she asked. "Who else?" Still no answer. "Answer me," Ethel demanded, looking at her son with angry eyes. But now she was crying. "You answer me this very instant, David Kennedy!" David took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Then, seemingly very ashamed of himself and with tears in his eyes, he very quietly said, "I love you mom. That's all I've got." Ethel seemed stunned. The two just stared at each other for a few moments. "Oh my God, David," Ethel said, sounding almost winded by the surprise comment. Then, with tears streaming down her face, she took her son into her arms and hugged him as tightly as she could.