While the first half of Keeping Up with the Kardashians: About Bruce primarily focused on the Kardashian-Jenner family's immediate reactions to Bruce Jenner coming out as transgender, Monday night's episode showed how they really processed it. While Kris Jenner has publicly supported Bruce since he said "I am a woman" during his Diane Sawyer interview, the special showed that it has been a very difficult experience for her. While it was hard to watch such a deeply personal, emotional conversation between Kris and Bruce, it will undoubtedly do what Kris said she hoped it would, "[bring] some comfort and hope to somebody going through the same thing."
A key theme of their talk was "truth," because while Bruce is finally sharing his truth with his family and the world, Kris said that it felt like he had been lying to her. She explained that towards the end of their marriage, Bruce appeared to always be angry, and she was upset that he never told her it was all stemming from his gender dysphoria. And while there was clearly both sadness and anger in their conversation, it was also filled with love.
"You’re an amazing woman, we have had so many great moments together…they still live inside me. They’re still part of me, I don’t want to let that go," Bruce said to Kris of their life together. Still, she was upset, and explained, "It’s like I have to mourn Bruce Jenner. I’m confused what happens to Bruce. I miss Bruce…all I have really is my memories." Just like he did with his children, Bruce reaffirmed to Kris that he isn't going anywhere and still wants them to be in each other's lives, smiling and saying "I still love you, baby."
While it's clear that since this conversation was filmed, Kris has moved past her apparent hurt and confusion, I think revealing it on TV will aid the family in their goal to help others dealing with similar issues. Her conversation with Bruce showed that you can love and support someone while still grappling with your own emotions. Kris never expressed disapproval for Bruce or discouraged him from living his life the way he wants to, but she also wasn't afraid to share her true feelings. Even as she cried, Kris told Bruce that all she wants is for him to "just live the happiest life you can live…find the peace you’ve been searching for."
Before he left, Bruce hugged Kris and gave her a high-five, promising that everything will be OK. Though she broke down after he left, Kris' strength in addressing her own emotions while supporting Bruce was apparent, as was her love for ex-husband, the father of her children, and her hero.
Editor’s Note: Per Jenner’s stated preference, Bustle will continue referring to Jenner using he/his pronouns for the time being. We will follow his lead and make any changes to this policy as needed in the future.
