Reagan Again

Politics, economics, revisionist history, whatever aside, I'm sad. I've kept the news on for the past week and I feel like my own grandfather died. I don't know why. I feel like someone's gone who loved me personally. I know I'm a Republican and all, but that's not it. I wouldn't feel this way if any other politician died, I don't even think I'd care. If Geo didn't have to work today I would have asked him to take us down to DC. I've actually cried a few times, watching the ceremonies.

I guess it's because I grew up watching his presidential addresses, whenever they were on it was exciting. The only other things I can remember watching with excitement as a kid were the Olympics and the Miss Universe pageant (because that was the only time I ever got to see a Filipino person on television.) I guess it's because I grew up respecting him, because my parents did. My parents were immigrants who prospered during the 80's as a result of Reagan's policies. It's always a gamble when immigrants leave their homeland to try and build a better life for their kids here. I have friends whose parents were doctors and engineers in their homelands who came here and now work as laborers. But my parents were able to avoid that fate which gives me a deep love of this country and the opportunity it offers people who start with nothing. And I guess to me, Reagan is the last president we've had who shares that love. I'm rambling now trying to figure out why I'm so sad. But I am. Out of respect for such a great man I'll wait a few more days before I start posting my usual random bullshit.

By the way, regardless of how some people want to blame him for their lot in life, there's no way he was a bad man. No way. No one who has that much faith, who so obviously loved his wife and country could be a bad person inside. To love another person is to see the face of God. Nancy Reagan's strength and grace this week has been amazing. I would be a mess. I hope that when we're old and grey, Geo and I love each other half as much as they loved each other.