Friday, July 31, 2020

Barnburner

My husband and I watched President Obama's eulogy to John Lewis yesterday with tears in our eyes, and such a heavy yearning for this man's goodness, intelligence, empathy, and decency on our hearts. At a certain point as he spoke, Obama caught fire, and laid out exactly where our country needs to go from here. Here's a piece that captures much of what I felt as I watched him, as I don't have much time to sort through and set down my own sentiments this morning. I'm off to the salt mines. I have stories to edit for the magazine, which ships today, and I also have to write a new chapter for the paperback version of Lucy McBath's book. When we first wrote it she hadn't yet decided to run for Congress, or been elected, or served in that chamber with all her heart. Here's her new cover. She might be the only politician ever to have her co-writer's name right there on the cover with her own. I love her so much. And I love Obama and John Lewis, too. I'm overflowing with love this morning for the people who fight for our better angels, and somehow never become bitter while doing so.



11 comments:

  1. We miss President Obama. He was what a president should be. His eulogy was on point.
    I am so happy to see your name on the cover of that book.

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  2. Thank you so much for linking that video of Barack's eulogy. I didn't know anything about John Lewis. He was a great man. And Barack Obama, a dignified, empathetic man whose speech leaves me with goose bumps.

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  3. That was the right thing to do - put your name on the cover. I'm glad she did.

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  4. Obama is a good man, somehow America seemed a safer and nicer place in his hands.

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  5. I also miss Obama and now we are short another fine man in John Lewis. the world is poorer for the loss.

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  6. I almost can't believe how far we have fallen since the days of Obama. We are living in a dystopian world, and seeing Obama reminds us of what a lovely world we once had.
    I love seeing your name on the cover.

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  7. Thank you for this post and that link and good luck with that new chapter.

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  8. Many thanks for inspiring me to listen to all of President Obama's eulogy for John Lewis. That vital message of love in action is continuing to be carried down the generations, this time by President Obama. Imagine the numbers of young people who will follow in the footsteps of those who came before them, inspired by this eulogy for John Lewis.

    I look forward to buying a copy of Lucy McBath's book in paperback with the additional chapter and will see if our public library is willing to purchase it for their collection in addition to the hardback version they purchased at my request.

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  9. Obama's speech was wonderful and I hope many will listen to his advice and VOTE. Congrats on the book!

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  10. Just seeing a picture of Obama makes me ache inside for missing his decency, intellect, and the hope that his election gave me. It's a bitter thing, living through the Trump years. And now John Lewis is gone. We are so much the poorer for his loss.

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  11. what a post! I'm re-listening to Mr. Obama as I type this. "America was built by John Lewises." Yes indeed. So many of us are down in the mouth right now, and would do us good to remember him and be inspired again. Lewis and Obama!

    Lovely photos of you and your daughter having lunch. I have yet to do that and look forward to the day. And congratulations on Lucy's book and getting your name on the cover! That's a sign of a good person, a recognition that we don't do these things alone and we rely on others.

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