My Presidential Address
Moving Day 1996: Sitting in my convertible in my parents driveway in Maryland, I put the top down to accommodate all of my possessions and dreams. I'd just been accepted to graduate school at the University of Kentucky and would be leaving months earlier than expected as mother had kicked me out of the house following one of her "episodes."
I was scared, but wouldn't dare let that fear show because of a greater fear. I didn't know how to get to Kentucky or where I would stay, but I had to go due to scholarship money for a program of study I chose for reasons I can't recall.
My Dad and I kissed goodbye and I headed south...but first, I made a pitstop in my favorite city-Washington D.C. At this time, motorists could still drive on Pennsylvania Avenue. I remember thinking how I would love to work there one day.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. ~Anatole France
I arrived in Kentucky and saw a free apartment guide in someone's office...just below a photo of Ronald Reagan. It was a good sign. I could throw away the atlas. I was on the right track.
A beautiful woman in the office (who was also in the picture with President Reagan and several congressional photos) helped me. I said "What do you do?" She said, "I'm a lobbyist." The idea of becoming a lobbyist has tickled and nagged at my soul every day since I met this nameless woman and learned what she did (does) for a living. FYI-I moved to a street named Lincoln Avenue.
White House 2000:I joined the Americorps National Service while living in Kentucky, and had the opportunity to visit the White House in 2000 for an award ceremony following the completion of my service. As I walked up the steps, I just wanted to say "Hello, old friend! I told you I'd come back!"
Kentucky, Spring 2001: I decided to take a chance, follow my heart, and take a government course at UK "for fun." It was in this class that I met my husband-by following my heart, I met the man of my dreams.
Ten Years After Moving Day 1996: I am married to a supportive, politically savvy, smart, handsome man, I have been accepted to graduate school to study in the College of Government, Law and International Affairs and will complete my degree in 3 short semesters, and I am right on track to realize my dreams. Oh, and we live in Kentucky on a street named Jefferson. Of course we do!
I called my husband today to let him know that the obscure little movie theatre in our quaint artsy little Kentucky river town will be showing the black and white classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." One of my favorite movies of all time. How in the world did the universe know to send this movie to me at this time in my life when I needed it most? At this time when my heart is once again filled with hope? Just like Mr. Smith. Perhaps I, too, will go to Washington again. Perhaps? No. It is only a matter of time until we meet again my love.
When I was a child, my father would take me to the Nation's Capitol. We would always go at Christmas to see the 50 different trees decorated to reflect each of the states. And the burning yule log and the reindeer. Oh, it was magical. I have tears in my eyes thinking about it. This is America to me. Dad would tell me about his childhood when the White House lawn was an open public park for everyone to play in, and as a child, he and his family would spread a blanket and have lunch and fly kites.
Well, although much has changed, so much remains the same. Dignity, respect and reverence for the process of our judicial system, which is second to none in the world. Something I aspire to be a part of and something that I have worked very hard toward for many years.
I am so happy to see this dream come to fruition and I will not let anything stand in my way. I only wish my Dad were here to share in this moment with me. But somehow, Dad, I feel that you are. It's like I said at your funeral mass, "death may have ended your life, but it will never end our relationship." I love you Big, Bad, Dad. Be with me. I'm going in to another great unknown.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genuis, power and magic in it. ~Johann von Goethe
I was scared, but wouldn't dare let that fear show because of a greater fear. I didn't know how to get to Kentucky or where I would stay, but I had to go due to scholarship money for a program of study I chose for reasons I can't recall.
My Dad and I kissed goodbye and I headed south...but first, I made a pitstop in my favorite city-Washington D.C. At this time, motorists could still drive on Pennsylvania Avenue. I remember thinking how I would love to work there one day.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. ~Anatole France
I arrived in Kentucky and saw a free apartment guide in someone's office...just below a photo of Ronald Reagan. It was a good sign. I could throw away the atlas. I was on the right track.
A beautiful woman in the office (who was also in the picture with President Reagan and several congressional photos) helped me. I said "What do you do?" She said, "I'm a lobbyist." The idea of becoming a lobbyist has tickled and nagged at my soul every day since I met this nameless woman and learned what she did (does) for a living. FYI-I moved to a street named Lincoln Avenue.
White House 2000:I joined the Americorps National Service while living in Kentucky, and had the opportunity to visit the White House in 2000 for an award ceremony following the completion of my service. As I walked up the steps, I just wanted to say "Hello, old friend! I told you I'd come back!"
Kentucky, Spring 2001: I decided to take a chance, follow my heart, and take a government course at UK "for fun." It was in this class that I met my husband-by following my heart, I met the man of my dreams.
Ten Years After Moving Day 1996: I am married to a supportive, politically savvy, smart, handsome man, I have been accepted to graduate school to study in the College of Government, Law and International Affairs and will complete my degree in 3 short semesters, and I am right on track to realize my dreams. Oh, and we live in Kentucky on a street named Jefferson. Of course we do!
I called my husband today to let him know that the obscure little movie theatre in our quaint artsy little Kentucky river town will be showing the black and white classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." One of my favorite movies of all time. How in the world did the universe know to send this movie to me at this time in my life when I needed it most? At this time when my heart is once again filled with hope? Just like Mr. Smith. Perhaps I, too, will go to Washington again. Perhaps? No. It is only a matter of time until we meet again my love.
When I was a child, my father would take me to the Nation's Capitol. We would always go at Christmas to see the 50 different trees decorated to reflect each of the states. And the burning yule log and the reindeer. Oh, it was magical. I have tears in my eyes thinking about it. This is America to me. Dad would tell me about his childhood when the White House lawn was an open public park for everyone to play in, and as a child, he and his family would spread a blanket and have lunch and fly kites.
Well, although much has changed, so much remains the same. Dignity, respect and reverence for the process of our judicial system, which is second to none in the world. Something I aspire to be a part of and something that I have worked very hard toward for many years.
I am so happy to see this dream come to fruition and I will not let anything stand in my way. I only wish my Dad were here to share in this moment with me. But somehow, Dad, I feel that you are. It's like I said at your funeral mass, "death may have ended your life, but it will never end our relationship." I love you Big, Bad, Dad. Be with me. I'm going in to another great unknown.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genuis, power and magic in it. ~Johann von Goethe
posted by Kitty Kitty Peacock | 3:26 PM
2 Comments:
Go girl go!!! Awesome. I enjoyed seeing the steps you've made to get to the point where you are ready to begin. So cool! I celebrate your progressive movements towards realizing your dream.
What a beautiful story. Very inspiring!
Just linked to you off of Anessa's site!
Post a Comment
<< Home