Ethel Skakel Kennedy is one of the unsung modern heroines of our time. She attached herself to the Kennedy clan by marrying Robert Francis Kennedy, bearing his ten children, campaigning with him 'til the final day of a frenetic 85-day effort to win the Democratic nomination for president. The year was 1968, a time riven by national disillusionment over a war that not even President Johnson could justify in private (while he pursued it in public with all the force of his office). When Bobby Kennedy was felled by three assassin's bullets in the pantry of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Ethel was a island of calm in a sea of chaos. "Oh, my God," she said in a half whisper. She moved quickly to his side, quietly, tenderly, in sharp and punishing contrast to the pandemonium around her. She stepped across him, knelt and took his hand. He turned his head and seemed to recognize her. She knelt there, in her orange and white party dress, on both knees, stooped low over the cold concrete floor, whispering to him, stroking his bare chest and brow. Those who know Ethel Kennedy say she was, and is, a marvelous mother, a woman who believed in letting her kids learn for themselves in all manner of perilous adventures. If they wanted to see if they could jump off the roof of the barn, she let them try. If they broke a leg, or an arm, well, they learned something, didn't they? As a result, most of her kids, now grown, are an adventuresome lot today, ready to take chances in the arenas of politics or business, not solely for their own aggrandizement, but in order to make a difference in the world.

MODEL: Ethel Kennedy's courage. After Robert's death, she went on bravely, a valiant woman who never gave up.

Part of the solution. If you were born on April 11, you don't have to be at the center of attention like most Aries people. You like to be hands-on with the decision makers, to be useful, not popular. Ruled by the number 2 and the moon, you are gentle and imaginative.

In the middle. You are good at drawing out what others really think, behind the facade of everyday living. As a mediator, you are instrumental in bringing two divergent parties to an agreement. In fact, you are often called on at home and at work for these unique talents. Your power with language and human nature is at work here.

Family matters. Unfortunately, your own emotions can sometimes get in the way when loved ones express themselves. You often seem perplexed or insensitive especially their wishes are not to your liking.

Success, maybe. Regardless of these shortcomings, your diplomatic talents leave you poised for a successful career working with people. But don't get cocky. You may think you know what is best for everybody, but you should listen to others. Turning a deaf ear or shunning criticism may hold you back

Some advice: Keep an open mind, listen and don't be ashamed to admit you were wrong, especially with those closest to you. Keep moving and active, don't get lethargic or complacent.

Also born on this day: Dean Acheson (ex-secretary of state) Mary Ovington (civil rights reformer) Ethel Kennedy (wife of Robert Kennedy) Hugh Carey (NY congressman, governor) Nicholas Brady (Treasury secretary) Ellen Goodman (syndicated columnist) Oleg Cassini (fashion designer) Clive Exton (British playwright) Louise Lasser (actress) Joel Gray (comic film actor) Elmer Ochs (US Army general) Manuel Neri (sculptor)