Jackie O and Mary Catherine

When I was 22 years old, I worked for the film department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The film department at the Met made small films about visiting collections.  One day, the phone rang and a very little, breathless voice asked me what she should wear to the opening of the film that evening. Knowing that Jackie O was a patron of the department, I recognized her voice and suggested a smart pantsuit (wouldn't Jackie have a smart 

pantsuit?)  She thanked me and said goodbye. She arrived in a beautiful metallic Lanvin jacket and a pair of smoky grey cigarette pants. 

Months later, I was at my local deli and Jackie was in front of me buying some cold cuts with John Jr. (Who in the world would ever run into Jackie and John-John at their local deli?) Before I knew it I had given Jackie fashion advice and bought the baguette she had put down at the deli.  I told my friends that night our bread had been blessed.

I loved calling my mom in California and telling her the "Jackie O" stories - I knew she had always loved Jackie and Jack.  I have always connected my mom with Jackie Kennedy - they were both young moms in the sixties, had lots of style and smoked liked it was nobody's business!  When Jackie died, I remember feeling like I had lost a member of our family.

Today is my mom's birthday and I am so lucky to have her in my life everyday - her laughter, her wisdom and her love of life. I have had the pleasure of becoming great friends with my mom.  Happy Birthday Mom - you have always been an icon to me!