LifeQs

Nancy Reagan

Answer one question or many - using words, photos or other media.

What are your favorite pictures of Nancy Reagan?

Steven Waldman
Steven Waldman
Amy Cunningham
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What six words best describe Nancy Reagan?

Amy Cunningham
1. Always 2.Chew 3. Your 4. Food 5. Twenty-five 6. Times
Lisa Willner
1.Small.
2.Powerful.
3.Impactful.
4.Loving.
5.First Lady..
6.In red.

What did you learn from watching her and Ronnie together?

Lisa Willner
I learned about love. They were the "first couple" I ever saw. And all I ever saw was how much they loved each other. It radiated from both of them. In today's world, that kind of enduring love in the public eye seems so much more significant.
Amy Cunningham
She had influence on his messaging...

How did she deal with her Ronald Reagan's Alzheimers?

Steven Waldman
She and her husband had a tremendously positive effect on the American understanding of Alzheimers. They shattered some of the taboos.
LifePosts
Here is Ronald Reagan's farewell letter:

"Nov. 5, 1994


My Fellow Americans,

I have been recently told that I am one of the millions of American who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.

Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.

In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our disclosure we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing. They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal healthy lives.

President Ronald ReaganSo now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.

At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.

Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's Disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.

In closing, let me thank you, the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.

I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.

Thank you my friends. May God always bless you.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan"

What did you make of her passion for Astrology?

Amy Cunningham
Well, as someone who greatly appreciates what astrological readings have lent to my own life, I always felt it was cool that Nancy was a astrology fan and follower, though it made me sad that they always had to deny their astrologer Joan Quigley's influence. Here's a link to the book Quigley wrote about her fruitful relationship with the Reagans. http://www.amazon.com/What-Does-Joan-S/.../ger/dp/1559720328

What did you think of her Just Say No to drugs campaign?

LifePosts
Here is a video of her summarizing her Just Say No message

What are some of her best quotes?

Steven Waldman
I've had quite a life, when you stop and think about it.

To my young friends out there: Life can be great, but not when you can't see it. So, open your eyes to life: to see it in the vivid colors that God gave us as a precious gift to His children, to enjoy life to the fullest, and to make it count. Say yes to your life.

Just say no to drugs!

I must say acting was good training for the political life which lay ahead for us.

When people say, 'You have Alzheimer's,' you have no idea what Alzheimer's is. You know it's not good. You know there's no light at the end of the tunnel. That's the only way you can go. But you really don't know anything about it. And you don't know what to expect.

Feminism is the ability to choose what you want to do.

The movies were custard compared to politics.

I always liked red. It's a picker-upper.


My life really began when I married my husband.

With Alzheimer's patients, you have to be very careful what you say when you're looking at them over their bed. Because once in a while, they understand it.

Everything just fell into place with Ronnie and me. We completed each other.

I have been very happy with my homes, but homes really are no more than the people who live in them.

I think a woman gets more if she acts feminine.

How should Nancy Reagan be most remembered?

If you could send her a message now, what would you say?