Asked to explain how he became a war hero he (Kennedy) responded, It was involuntary. They think my boat.

~ Sally Bedell Smith

Sally Bedell Smith Adversity Circumstances Courage Herorism

After American titan and presidential father Joseph P. Kennedy suffered a stroke that impacted one side of his body, guests pretended not to notice the impact. Jackie Kennedy, however, held the impacted hand and kissed the affected side of his face, facing his disability and giving him the courage to do so.

~ Sally Bedell Smith

Sally Bedell Smith Comfort Friendship Graciousness Sympathy

Jack Kennedy brought an intense concentration and a gently teasing humor to the dinner table, along with what Katherine Graham called his habit of vacuum cleaning your brain.

~ Sally Bedell Smith

Sally Bedell Smith Charisma Conversation Tension