The Rainbow Comes and Goes—not just the title of Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt’s intimate collection of correspondence, but also the wise words of the poet, William Wordsworth. They are words to live by and perhaps one of the most interesting perspectives Gloria could have shared with her son, Anderson, and, in turn, with their readers. Such imagery gives light to a beautiful approach to life and the acceptance of all the ups and downs it may bring.
Anderson has an unmistakable gift in his ability to ask questions, seek answers, and put together the missing pieces of a puzzle. As a reporter and journalist, this is not an uncommon talent. However, the way in which he explores his curiosity with his mother and dives deep into the history of their renowned, notable, and wealthy family is not only commendable, but powerful and engaging. Anderson’s unparalleled approach to a son’s search for truth, wisdom, and understanding from his legendary mother is done with class and integrity.
Their correspondence began when Gloria celebrated her ninety-first birthday and continued over the course of the following year. In the pages of this reflective masterpiece, Gloria shares her experiences and viewpoints on life, death, and everything in-between. We learn about the infamous custody battle and the public’s fascination with Gloria and her mother once the trial ended. She shares how she was motivated to be more than just the “Poor Little Rich Girl” the media made her out to be.
Amongst the pages of this revealing book can be found Gloria’s wise counsel on some of life’s greatest questions and valuable pieces of advice based on her own experiences, mistakes, and successes. Though speaking candidly to her son, she reminds us all that “Health is [our] most treasured gift,” and advises that we remember our right to develop and nourish our own talents and in doing so, make our own contributions to the world—however large or small they may be. Gloria credits perseverance and strength for getting her to the point in life where she was finally able to stand unafraid, free, and clear.
Gloria and Anderson have displayed a shared desire to keep moving forward in life—he like a shark not allowing himself to slow down for too long, she like a tightrope walker trying not to fall and aiming to avoid destruction. Both fatherless children, Gloria and Anderson share how this reality shaped part of their lives. Gloria admits that she never talked much about her thoughts and emotions, often feeling like an imposter and not really knowing what it was like to be part of a family. Anderson shares how he changed after his father’s death, never quite feeling safe. He became an observer of the world and his surroundings rather than participating in it—no doubt laying the foundation for his future profession. He has longed to rid himself of the fear he felt as a child, but appreciates the confidence he has gained with age and experience. Gloria and Anderson also confide in one another about the death of Carter—a beloved son and brother—and how that loss impacted their lives.
A very personal exchange between mother and son also took place on the topic of sexuality. Anderson boldly asked his mother if the rumors and stories about her own mother, Anderson’s grandmother, that came out in the midst of the notorious custody trial in 1934 were true. Gloria discloses that they were—her mother was, in fact, a lesbian, during a time when being gay was considered scandalous, evil, and even criminal, possibly resulting in arrest, imprisonment, or institutionalization. Gloria admits that she occasionally feared that she would inherit lesbianism from her mother or alcoholism from her father, but that in her thirties, she understood clearly that there is nothing strange about being gay…"Love between two women, or two men, is precisely the same as love between a woman and a man." Having learned of the allegations that Gloria’s mother was a lesbian when he was in high school left Anderson hesitant and afraid to come out to his mother, even though he had known the truth about his own sexuality since he was about six or seven years old. At the age of twenty-one, Anderson revealed his truth to his mother and, as one would expect from someone so worldly and enlightened, Gloria was totally supportive.
Anderson’s thirst for answers and honesty is dynamic, thought-provoking, and influential. He possesses the skill of a superb interviewer, but more so of an interested and fascinated son—unafraid of his mother’s responses, or his right to respectfully disagree and offer his own insight, and to cautiously challenge some of her perceptions. Gloria’s transparency is praiseworthy and her writing is truly sensational and charmingly unique in its style. Together, the two have produced an outstanding book—one that I Absolutely recommend.
To engage in such meaningful and honest correspondence with one another is beautiful and admirable in itself, but to then share that correspondence with the world is courageous and bold. We, as readers, should be grateful for this exceptional gift which they have given us, for it is both captivating and inspiring. As you learn more about the rainbows that have come and gone in the lives of Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper, let their example serve as a reminder that it is never too late to start a conversation or to tell someone how you feel. Ask the questions you seek, but be open to the answers you may receive.
In each of our lives, rainbows will come, and rainbows will go. Be grateful for all of the rainbows in your life. Enjoy each one while it is yours and rejoice when another finds its way to you.
