Meeting President Carter

Meeting President Carter

Manhatana Baptist Church

Plains, GA

March 26, 2017

I don't remember much about Carter's presidency.  I didn't follow politics back then.  I do remember he seemed weak to many people.  But I prefer a president who does not want to run to war as a first choice. So I always liked him and was disappointed when he wasn't re-elected.

I have followed him as an elder statesman and he was been so damn impressive to me.  I think these last 40 years have been his greater gift to our country. I am filled with admiration for him.

I once read that he still goes to his church every Sunday and he willingly meets with every person who comes to visit him.  I wanted to visit with him and thank him for his years of service.  I mapped out a road trip but I never made it happen.

Then he got a brain tumor and he turned 92 and a new urgency ate away at me.  However, my car was so old and rickety that I didnt think I could make the 1600 mile round trip to meet him.  That was until I got a new car and the first weekend with reliable wheels took me to Plains, GA.

I texted my cousin who lives in Atlanta on a Wednesday.  Yes, she wanted to join me.  I packed my car and headed out on Friday and arrived in Atlanta the next day.  Pam thought we should leave at 5AM the next day, Sunday, to get there in plenty of time.

The roads were dark and deserted at that time.  At one point, I entertained the idea that we would be the only visitors at the church.  But as the sun finally came up and we rolled in to the parking lot of the church, all those thoughts were dismissed immediately.  Crowds of people had been there since 4AM and it was now possible that we may not event get in.

After a two hour wait and several warnings from the church people that there was no more room, we were ushered in to the auxiliary room.  That was good enough for me. And as we settled in and sighed with relief, there was a buzz in the air.  There he was, right in front of us.  He came in through the side entrance and stopped by to say hello.

Even though we were told that he would not answer any questions, I raised my hand and he acknowledged me.

"Mr. President, I've come from Maryland just to thank you for your leadership. These are dark days for our country right now and I wish we had your leadership again.  I have appreciated all you have done for our country."

As he was about to answer me, someone interrupted him and the conversation changed.  But that was OK with me because I got to thank him.