.
. MY JIMMY CARTER STORY
As I watch the news and read about the life and final journey of our 39th president, I am reminded of my own encounter with Jimmy and Roslalynn Carter.
In spite of not being a fan of his policies and a critic of many of them, still, I was brought up to believe it is important to be polite to all the folks one meets along the way.
So, I was prepared to “behave properly“ for any encounter with the 39th president as we were both aboard a Delta flight on its way from La Guardia to Atlanta.
Some aspects of this trip are buried beneath the fog of advancing years (mine) and foggy memory (also mine).
But, the highlights remain: the circumstances that placed President and Mrs. Carter and me in the same first class cabin.
I was a bit late entering the plane. My aisle seat was empty, but a man was already seated in the window seat of my row. (My presence in the first class cabin occurred, not because I had shelled out the big bucks to pay for a seat — didn’t do it then, couldn’t do it now) but because I had reached what I am calling for the purpose of this story, Delta’s high flyer tier, a level that offers the possibility of cabin upgrades with ample seats and complimentary alcoholic beverages.
For this flight, I had made the leap from the land of overstuffed overhead bins and narrow vinyl seats to the front of the plane.
Having been upgraded, seated and buckled in, I looked around the cabin. It did not take long to realize that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were sitting across the aisle.
Just before the doors closed for departure, I looked up and saw, to my surprise, Jimmy Carter coming towards me. His hand was extended as he said, “Hello, I’m Jimmy Carter”. My manners (25 years as a United States Air Force. dependent spouse, also known as the poor man’s jet set meant I could be counted on to smile and make an appropriate comment.)
But, let’s not forget that I was surprised.
After making the rounds down the aisle of the main cabin, President Carter returned to his seat next to Mrs. Carter. Buried in the mist of two decades, I think I remember that he took the window seat, probably so he would not be constantly distracted by other passengers. Mrs. Carter, in the aisle seat, read her book.
Once airborne my seatmate and I began chatting.
Turns out he was a member of the US Secret Service and was “off duty”, on his way back to his home. For this leg, he did not have any interaction with the Carters. About half way through the flight, he suggested that I approach Mrs. Carter and exchange a few words. As he put it, “Everyone wants to meet President Carter so she’s often forgotten.” (It’s my story and that’s how I remember our conversation). I don’t think I spoke to Mrs. Carter; I doubt that I would have forgotten that. I do remember that President Carter, being an elderly male, made several bathroom stops.
It was a relatively short flight. The Carters were escorted from their seats and allowed to exit before everyone began the rush to “deplane”.
This week, as we mourn the passing of a former president, no matter our thoughts about his policies, we must remember that he (and one of these days, “she”) has the world’s most difficult job.
I think these servants deserve our respect and admiration for their efforts.
Rest in peace, Mr. President.
