She was born in 1921. Just saw that on another internet page. One of you mentioned that Ronnie "came to" and recognized Nancy just before his death. Where did you see or read that? After the funeral I had to turn the TV off and just think a while, but I'd love to read about that. Do any of you feel like the loss of Reagan is a personal one? I love old movies, and when Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Katharine Hepburn passed, three of my favorite actors, I felt like I'd lost a friend! Say a prayer for Nancy and his family today. Linda
His daughter wrote an article on his last few hours (I believe it was for People magazine, but I'm not sure...). Although I've not read the article, I've heard it quoted from several sources - all of which say she describes her father opening his eyes & gazing directly at Nancy. His eyes weren't foggy with confusion, but bright & it was clear that he knew who he was looking at. She then goes on to write that Nancy said it was the best gift he could have given her.
His death has hit home. I have a great deal of admiration for the man & understand the full impact he had on this country. He was a great president and a good man. We could all take a lesson on how to live a good life from him.
I cried when Nancy touched her cheek to the coffin and when she patted it last night. Such tender and loving gestures. I'm sure she did those things hundreds of times while she was tending to him through his illness.
No doubt she did. What grace under pressure. I couldn't tell she touched her cheek to the coffin, but it killed me just the same. A coworker just told me that article by Patty Davis is in People Magazine, but the website requires a subscription to enter. I'm taken aback by the miraculous and merciful end to his life - in his last moments he recognized Nancy. Small miracle.
>I'm taken >aback by the miraculous and merciful end to his >life - in his last moments he recognized Nancy. >Small miracle.
I've learned that there are no "small miracles". Whenever the hand of God moves, it's time to stop and take notice. There's usually a far-reaching message in it. )
Here's a quote from the daughter that I took the liberty to copy and paste:
At the last moment, when his breathing told us this was it, he opened his eyes and looked straight at my mother. Eyes that hadn't opened for days did, and they weren't chalky or vague. They were clear and blue and full of love, and then they closed with his last breath. If a death can be lovely, his was. The greatest gift you could have given me, my mother managed to say to him through tears, through "I love you," through the towering beauty of that last moment. The hush in the room broken then by quiet crying.
For me his death is simply this: One last moment of startling life, a memory seared into our hearts, the one antidote to the sorrow that will stream on with no end in sight.
For more of Patti Davis's intimate writing about Ronald Reagan's final days, pick up the June 21 issue of People.
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 06-11-04 AT 09:06AM (CST)[/font][br][br]One of the great love stories of all time. I am a democrat and not a crier. But I cried when I saw the image of Nancy touching her cheek to his coffin. I feel so sad for her.
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 06-11-04 AT 02:00PM (CST)[/font][br][br]My office is next to our lunchroom and as I type this message I can hear the ceremony on the television. Reading this thread this morning and listening to the events on tv have given me goosbumps and brought tears to my eyes.
Thanks Don for catching that. I have no spell check in the Forum, maybe James can fix that.
Ditto to Beagle and the music. . soo beautiful and inspirational. To be tacky for just a moment. Did anyone else think Bill Clinton appeared to be sleeping?
Didn't see Bill nap, but Hillary was clearly bored.
What touching & wonderful comments made by Margaret Thatcher. George Sr. choking up had tears running down my face. A very honorable and wonderful ceremony.
There was a woman seated behind Gorbacev that I thought clearly was either his body guard or perhaps an aide of some sort. Al Gore was another who I wish the camera had NOT panned when the current president Bush was speaking.
MSN has a story on their front "page" today re an interview with Gorbachev. Very interesting with a bit of a different slant as it is from his perspective.
We have just received a press release from Camp Pendleton stating that there will be 21-gun salute at noon and a 50-gun salute at 8:00 PM. The press release warns about loud reports, rumblings and that the noise may be heard up to 50 miles away. Since I live and work just on the southern border of the base, I will hear it
Of course Billy Graham was the Reagan's initial choice to lead the service, but due to his health, he was unable to do that. I understand he is hospitalized himself.
Although the man who did Amazing Grace was fantastic, imagine Billy Graham being there today to speak personally about Reagan....
....And Ray Charles singing his awesome rendition of America.
I agree with almost all of the posts above and wanted to comment about what I thought was the magnificent performance of our military thoughout all of the services for President Reagan. They were absolutely perfect and gave me chills to watch them. Such a wonderful tribute to him. It made me proud to be an American (again)!
I agree - everyone did a wonderful job! I particularly was touched by the gentlemen who escorted Nancy during the week. She often recieved a pat on the back or a gloved hand covering her own on the soldier's arm - just small gestures, but gestures that brought a great deal of comfort, I'm sure.
Comments
Linda
His death has hit home. I have a great deal of admiration for the man & understand the full impact he had on this country. He was a great president and a good man. We could all take a lesson on how to live a good life from him.
>aback by the miraculous and merciful end to his
>life - in his last moments he recognized Nancy.
>Small miracle.
I've learned that there are no "small miracles". Whenever the hand of God moves, it's time to stop and take notice. There's usually a far-reaching message in it.
At the last moment, when his breathing told us this was it, he opened his
eyes and looked straight at my mother. Eyes that hadn't opened for days did,
and they weren't chalky or vague. They were clear and blue and full of love,
and then they closed with his last breath. If a death can be lovely, his
was. The greatest gift you could have given me, my mother managed to say to
him through tears, through "I love you," through the towering beauty of that
last moment. The hush in the room broken then by quiet crying.
For me his death is simply this: One last moment of startling life, a memory
seared into our hearts, the one antidote to the sorrow that will stream on
with no end in sight.
For more of Patti Davis's intimate writing about Ronald Reagan's final days,
pick up the June 21 issue of People.
I am a democrat and not a crier. But I cried when I saw the image of Nancy touching her cheek to his coffin. I feel so sad for her.
We seem to have lost that as a society.
Classic! Thanks for everything Mr. President
#1 thing a consultant shouldn't say: "I could tell you the answer right now, but we're committed to a three month project..." #-o
Thanks Don for catching that. I have no spell check in the Forum, maybe James can fix that.
Very warm, dignified exit for a warm, dignified man
What touching & wonderful comments made by Margaret Thatcher. George Sr. choking up had tears running down my face. A very honorable and wonderful ceremony.
Question: "How was your visit with Bishop Tu Tu?"
Reagan: "So-so."
Question: "You ought to run for president."
Reagan: "What? You don't like my acting, either?"
x:-)
Although the man who did Amazing Grace was fantastic, imagine Billy Graham being there today to speak personally about Reagan....
....And Ray Charles singing his awesome rendition of America.