Came for the Drama, Stayed for the Inspiration

Once I was sucked into President Carter's memorial service by the drama of seeing all of his successors and many of their political rivals sitting in three rows at the Cathedral, I continued watching out of respect and interest. To begin with, Andrew Young was on the pulpit, his body weakened by age, but his voice was as strong and compelling as ever. 

The eulogy written by President Ford and delivered by his son 18 years after his father's death was captivating from its opening words: By fate of a brief season, Jimmy Carter and I were rivals, but for the many wonderful years that followed, friendship bonded us as no two presidents since John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, and the story it told of honor and humanity transcending politics was heartening to hear in these times. 

Vice President Mondale also wrote a eulogy that outlived him, which was read by his son and recognized President Carter's willingness to take the long view of issues and make choices that could be politically unpopular but right for the future.

The Carter family eulogies delivered by grandsons Josh and Jason were testimony to President Carter's transparency and honesty and how his public and private personas were one. Jason Carter said, Yes, they spent four years in the governor’s mansion and four years at the White House. But the other 92 years they spent at home in Plains, Georgia. 

And one of the best ways to demonstrate that they were regular folks is to take them by that home. First of all, it looks like they might have built it themselves. Second of all, my grandfather was likely to show up at the door in some ’70s short shorts and Crocs. His words were an important reminder that President Carter, like any president, was just a man. A man of faith and service but a man all the same.

And President Biden's admonition of the importance of character and integrity was pointed and poignant. I'll end with a few of them here: At our best, we share the better parts of ourselves: joy, solidarity, love, commitment. Not for reward, but in reverence for the incredible gift of life we’ve all been granted. To make every minute of our time here on Earth count.