Peanut Farmer

When I was 13 I stayed home from school and spent half the day with my dad at work so that I could attend a presidential rally outside of the old City Hall building in San Jose. I recall being excited and curious.

When we arrived, there were throngs of people everywhere. Eventually, the area would be completely packed, so I made sure that I secured a place near the potential exit route of the President.

I guessed right, and I was lucky enough to shake hands with the Georgian peanut farmer and 39th president of the United States: Jimmy Carter.

It made my day!

I was so eager to tell my teachers about it that I asked my dad to take me to school before classes let out. As soon as I walked into the attendance office to check in, I immediately shared the news with everyone in there: “I shook hands with the President of the United States!”

A few months later, Carter lost to Reagan, and I remember feeling a little bummed-out. Of course, I knew nothing about politics at the time; all I knew is that Reagan’s signature would be printed on my Presidential Physical Fitness Award. At the time, I preferred Carter’s. While I no longer have the certificate, I still have the patch.

One hundred years on earth is a long time. This type of longevity is summed-up in a word: resilience.

Carter’s impact post-presidency is what many will remember him for.

RIP
James Earl Carter Jr.
1924-2024