Ethel Skakel Kennedy, Ep. 28: “Reeling From the Loss”

[StrongopinionsRus]

You’d have to have a heart of stone not to have some compassion for Ethel following Bobby’s death, but for me, it runs out fast. She had ample resources—I know money was more limited than many expected, but she still had more than most of us could ever imagine, and the number of “volunteers” and hangers on providing assistance was incredible. She—and the kids—needed grief support, not just distractions. I’ve come to the conclusion that the best thing parents can do for their kids is to be mentally, emotionally, financially and psychologically healthy.

[hb-dr]

Having 11 children as a politician was, and still is, madness. Despite already having eight children, suffering severe depression after the assassination of his brother, and becoming a surrogate father to his brother’s children, going on to have three more children seems, in my opinion, an act of cruelty. The children were already entering adolescence and were also suffering from neglect, even while he was alive. Somehow, they managed to hold on. But when he was gone, it all fell apart. Nearly 90% of the Kennedy scandals originated from Ethel and RFK’s children. Even the murder of Martha Moxley was introduced as the “Kennedy Cousin Murder.” It is said that other Kennedys eventually stopped visiting Hyannis Port, a tradition they had followed almost religiously, simply to avoid Ethel’s children.
RFK was widely regarded as the Kennedy who loved his family the most and cared deeply about preserving the Kennedy legacy. While he contributed immensely to this legacy, his decision to have so many children with a woman who had no maternal instincts and ability ultimately destroyed it. Very ironic.

[heatblair]

“You can never go home again.” Thomas Wolfe. So very true. When visiting your childhood town and childhood home, things have changed. Very poignant.

[jomarsh]

Thomas Wolfe’s quote is “you can’t ever go home again”

[janevosper]

Oh great driving back from Manchester to Devon and was about to scream with boredom!! You’ve saved me 👍👍👍

[sharonsmith]

Welcome back! Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!

[margaretmorris]

Thank you for these chapters, l think i felt more empathy for Ethel taking Rory to Bobby’s grave than at any other point in the story so far.

[sanzbozo]

I think it'd be great if you read more Oppenheimer books. Such good writing, I'm going to miss this when it ends. This has been fascinating! I wasn't too interested in Ethel Kennedy, but this book changed that. Thanks for these amazing videos!

[thetruthmatters]

In bed with a flu! then this pops up, wonderful, really enjoying this book xx

[onemysore]

From a Catholic family, a young widow mom & 4 sisters under 9: IT IS DEPRESSION. No one tells you or anyone.

[maryriley]

Dear Lord, what a strange bunch these people were. I never understood the veneration given to this family at the time, and I understand it even less now.

[heatblair]

Belated Happy Chanukah to all my Jewish friends on here and belated Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends on here! Thank you, Cheere! I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to 2025! I know this year is going to be a good one! Moshiach energy!

[michaelhutchinson]

I read a lot, but if I had seen this book at the library I would not have even checked out the cover. So well researched! Amazing!

[annjohnson]

Welcome back Cheere. Hope you had a lovely Christmas. Thank you for the latest instalment👏👏👏

[nwad]

I think it is so interesting that when on Kennedy brother dies, the next inline steps up to support the widow and children. I don’t think that many widows would be that dependent on their brother in law. Poor Ethel, she really drew the short end of the stick when Teddy was the next in line.

[bxolyvd]

One of my favorite parts of the day, listening to you read.

[AirdrieReed]

You can’t Go Home Again is an oft quoted novel-the title itself perhaps the most quoted- by American Novelist Thomas Wolfe.

[mchristman]

1 million in 1969 was the equivalent of 8.6 million in 2024 dollars.

[ellendeluca]

Hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday! Been waiting for this new chapter!!

[evacherie]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Missed because of Christmas but I'm catching up now