I was standing just behind the president in the Rose Garden one morning as he delivered remarks I’d drafted — as I recall, his audience was a group of young people, perhaps 4-H’ers or Girl Scouts. Although his performance was fluid enough, his pacing was off. He seemed perfunctory and detached. For once, I thought, Ronald Reagan was having a bad day.

Then a movement on the second floor of the residence caught his eye. He glanced up. Mrs. Reagan was standing at a window. She smiled. The president beamed. She waved. He waved back — then had everyone in the Rose Garden turn around to wave, too. When he returned to his remarks, the president picked up the pace, appearing more involved and energetic. Even — well, younger.

A smile and a wave from Nancy. They were all Ronald Reagan needed.