MovieChat Forums > Ethel (2013) Discussion > Ethel is a strong woman

Ethel is a strong woman

posted 12 years ago by StephanieRock
3 replies | jump to latest

I was very impressed with Ethel Kennedy.

I was thinking about how much she's been through and how little she seemed to ever complain or wallow.
I felt so sorry for myself last week because I was sick. It was pathetic. My husband took care of our son on Monday, and I went to the doctor. "Oh, Lord! This is the worst sore throat I've had! I can't stand it. I can't sleep"

Seriously, I was mildly depressed.

Ethel never stopped to wallow in anything. She kept giving birth 11 times. Her hair and clothes were always perfect. And her children, despite being (obviously) cared for by a lot of help, still have great affection for her.
When JFK died, she quietly and patiently gave Bobby his space to mourn.

I don't think she ever asked anything of him.
Her parents died - she dealt with it. JKF died and her mourning wasn't even an issue for her. She has had 2 of her own children die. She still gets up everyday and does something productive.
And this documentary doesn't even touch the other women... the scandals... her nephew, Michael Skakel who murdered a girl.... the Kennedy "curse". John Kennedy JR and his wife died while going to Rory's wedding.

Can you imagine?

Whatever you think of the Kennedys, you must admit that Ethel is a strong woman.
Stronger than any woman I know today.

[–] MaryPoppinPills 12 years ago

I know, I find her I inspirational too for the reasons you mentioned. What a life and she still has a great spirit and humor.

[–] zuzupetal_99 12 years ago

Agreed! She is strong and has had to deal with so much tragedy in her life. It seemed as though she & Bobby truly loved each other and brought out the best in each other - they looked so happy together. She still teared up when his death was brought up...honestly, I don't know how she managed being widowed while pregnant and having to give birth one more time without her husband and then having to raise 11 kids.

"Are you going to your grave with unlived lives in your veins?" ~ The Good Girl

[–] chas437 11 years ago

You put it very nicely, thank you. Its hard to imagine there is another person alive who has dealt with so much tragedy and loss in one lifetime. She is an exceptional woman, and this documentary is a fine tribute to her.