More photos and remembrance below the cut:
Graphic provided by The Carter Center.
(c)2025
(c)2025
About the above photos:
When I was a child, my parents got us these Jimmy Carter Mr. Peanut Transistor radios; one for each of us, three siblings. He’s missing his top hat, and the 9V battery wires are broken, but it still remains one of my favorite pieces of memorabilia from my childhood. Here it is surrounded by a pile of peanuts. We joke about it, but I remember how proud he was of his family’s peanut farm, their family history, and I still remember his divestiture of it while he was President. It will always remain for me an example of dignity, honesty, and the simplicity of following the law and the rules that make this country great.
Provided from You Tube.
Provided from You Tube.
I have vague memories of Nixon and Ford, but I think Jimmy Carter’s presidency stands out the most in my memory. Not so much the details, but of course, I remember the hostages in Iran, and his homey way of addressing the American people. He always seemed so kind and down to earth, and of course, to me he was more prevalent in my life and the news media after his presidency when he chose to continue his public service. I remember when Rosalynn came out with her discussions and advocacy for depression awareness and mental health issues, so much so that when I was finally diagnosed with depression, I could look back and accept it without the stigma that was so ready to be thrust on those of us with no choice. We are still battling that stigma, but Rosalynn and Jimmy opened the door to let the light in.
And really, that’s what I think of when I think of Jimmy Carter: letting in the light.
His light has dimmed here on earth, but we can still look to and take his example of how to be a better human being; how to be better Americans, for ourselves and for each other. We can turn the tide by keeping Jimmy Carter and his values in our hearts and at the forefront of our minds as we move through each day.
We can move forward and in the light and bring the light.
You can watch Jimmy Carter’s state funeral today beginning at 10am on most major networks. I’ll be viewing it on C-Span.
Griffins and Ginger Snaps 