A Posthumous Letter to the President

06/10/2004 | Steven Nicolas Jury

[fishing1]

A Posthumous Letter to the President

Several years ago this fledgling called the Internet erroneously broadcast news of your passing. It was nineteen ninety-seven or perhaps ninety-eight. More than a few tears fell into the quiet that night, and for a brief moment my household ceased to exist. For solace I offered the vast darkness of this eWorld a question: How will my children ever know you?

No one could answer, and I promised that I would raise my voice one more time when this dreaded day finally arrived.

History will remember your accomplishments far better than I could ever recount. Generations to come will know that you placed the cornerstones for the end of the Cold War, the abandonment of communism in the Soviet Union, and the rejuvenation of America’s image in our own eyes as well as the blurry gaze of the world.

But will my children understand?

History is flawed by speculation, interpretation, and willfulness of human agenda. History is lifeless, incapable of rectifying falsehood or waging the valiant fight for clarity.

For my children and for the sons and daughters of those who would understand I offer the following brief history of the United States of America.

God stretched out His hand across the wilderness of the New World and bore unto history a new nation.

He stirred the wanderlust of our ancestors to brave the sea, leaving home and heritage to forge commerce with the sweat of their brows and the faithful prayers of their hearts.

He roused our ire and taught us that truth and liberty are kindred paved.

He painted our flag with the colors of blood, innocence, and the midnight heavens above so we might never forget.

He hewed for us a national Father to shepherd our earliest hours.

He tolerated our divisiveness but only for a time.

He pricked our conscience, and for the price of our intolerance, arrogance, condescension, and insolence we very nearly forfeited the nation He had devised.

He loaned us discovery and ingenuity that we might gather wealth.

He strengthened us through bitter hardship for the day we would join the world in the great battle against evil.

He granted us courage sufficient to endure sacrifice.

He forged in us a forgiving spirit that we might overcome our own ignorance.

And just as we began to lose faith, when the world seemed shackled to inevitable self-destruction, He blessed us with one who reminded us who we are.

Who now will call out to America and have her answer? Who will challenge the wisdom of the multitude? Who will raise their temper for the suffering and against tyranny? Who will stand at the threshold of desperation and demand, “Tear down this wall!” Who will cry with those who mourn? Who among us will smile?

I and my household with me.

On my face might be an easy smile to fill my children with confidence, just as I once was filled. There might be a sparkle in my eye to bring comfort as I was comforted. Upon my breath might be a conviction so pure and contagious that kinsmen may be moved to grasp the tiller, hold firm, and trust that God will provide a driving wind for this shining city on a hill. From the softness and security of their cradled hands in mine my children might know friendship and leadership.

Perhaps in the hushed rustle of those paying their final respects your family might find solace in the knowledge you are loved. Perhaps in the whispered call of your name our hearts will begin to mend.

My children will understand, if only by the hitch in my voice when I tell them about our America and how the story I am about to tell always begins tomorrow.

In time our days of sorrow will pass, and the nation you loved and who loves you will, for generations, celebrate. For once upon a time there lived among us a good man.

Not bad, Mr. President. Not bad at all.

Rest, Mr. President. Your work here is done.

[petitfour]

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[fishing1]

Thanks for returning this post.

[Countyline]

You voiced sentiments many of us have experienced in the last week. There is loss and there is sadness ... and yes there lived a good man who happened to be our President during his time on earth and during a vital time in our history. We praise God for having known him.