A line from one of my most favorite hymns of all time reads ‘And Grace shall lead me home.’

On November 22, 1963, I learned what Grace really means. I saw people thrown into a maelstrom and somehow find their footing and show the world what ‘Grace under fire’ really means.

I saw someone face in public what no one should ever have to face. I saw a burden shouldered and a family don strength and comfort from each other.

The ability to function in dire circumstances is an incredible skill. You can tell yourself you are prepared for all that life can lay at your feet. You can train for ‘worst case scenarios’ for hours on end.

I’ve spent a good part of my professional life participating in ‘Disaster’ training. I’ve often wondered how I would have reacted if placed in the circumstances the Kennedy family was on that day.

I’m not referring to the political or legal issues that day- nor even the issue of sheer logistics of moving people from point A to point B. I’m talking about maintaining composure when you want to rant and rave, or curl up and just give in to pain and loss.

I saw Grace that day, and in the days following. It took me a while to really process how trying it must be to live a private and deeply personal event in the public eye.

I’ve seen examples of Grace since that time. Not often, but often enough to recognize it when it’s genuine. I saw it in Prince William and Prince Harry after their mothers’ death.

On that day in November, I got a lesson. It’s stayed with me all these years since. While I’ve not endured what Jackie and the Kennedy family did that day, I’ve had my share of trying times and I’ve striven to behave with Grace.

I sometimes think the world would be a better place if there were a lot more Grace in it.