Hard to know she’s gone

Opinion

November 14, 2009

By AMY JOHNS The McAlester News-Capital Sat Nov 14, 2009, 08:42 AM CST

A very good friend introduced me to a book called The Road Less Traveled. The very first line in the book is – Life is difficult. I do not seem to remember the exact day the universe opened up and allowed him an opportunity to share with me. I am certain it must have been one of those days that something kind of crappy happened. Must have been pretty minute because I don’t remember it now. Little did I know, whatever it was then, would pale in comparison to the storms of late. However, that teaching moment was extremely profound for me.

My friend said, “Life is difficult. It is not good or bad. It just is. Once you surrender to the fact that life is difficult it will become easier.” In theory, it’s a great concept. It is much harder for the heart to accept.

Our community lost a truly remarkable woman this week – Jacque Nicholson. Jacque was the assistant editor for the Hartshorne Sun. I still remember the first time I met her. She was this mighty presence. The kind of woman that papers flew off desks and the air was sucked out of the room when she walked by. Jacque had real southern style. Not the kind that some only try and emulate. But the real kind of in your face, put together, crisp southern style. She was organized and demanded attention. She always and I mean always looked perfect. She has a tremendous sense of fashion reminiscent of Jackie O. and Audrey Hepburn.

At least those were the comparisons I always made. She had great comedic timing and certainly was not afraid to use it. She would bicker and banter back and forth with Jim about some shenanigan he had pulled. She could find a way to make you laugh even on the gloomiest of days. Jacque was life. She was in it and participated. She wasn’t on the sidelines watching. She was directing.

She asked me to be in a fashion show one time. The plan was to model vintage clothing from the 20’s and 30’s. The show was held at the Liberty Theatre in Hartshorne.

Jacque had tons of outfits. They were fabulous and she made them look even better. Fitted jackets with peplum skirting, satin blouses with big bows around the necks, pencil skirts, matte luscious red lipstick, hats with pheasant feathers and long, draping fox stoles. I remember thinking how divine she looked and it was as though she just stepped off of a movie set with Lana Turner, Jane Mansfield, Bette Davis and the rest of the girls. We had so much fun that night playing dress up.

I am so blessed to have known her. I am so blessed that my path crossed hers. Her style and dramatic flair will certainly be a nice addition for those waiting on the other side. Our prayers go to Jim and the rest of her family.

She will be missed.

Amy Johns is the publisher of the McAlester News-Capital. Contact her at 423-1700.

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