FORWARD

Today, I attended a fundraiser for President Obama in Portland.  I normally have clinic on Tuesdays, so once I heard about the event two weeks ago, I moved my patients to another day so that I could attend.  Thankfully, it all worked out.

I had heard President Obama speak on three occasions previously when he was a candidate for the Presidency. However, this was the first time I had a chance to see him since he took office.

The event was held at the Oregon Convention Center, and people of all ages and colors lined up outside to get a chance to hear the President speak and to catch a glimpse.  We were served lunch, and then many of us had the opportunity to meet the President and have a photo taken with him.

There were families, couples, and individuals who came alone like me.  When my turn came, I said hello to the President.  He was slightly taller than me and thin.  His hair was more salt than pepper, and he had a kind and welcoming expression on his face- like a teacher with new pupils on the first day of school.

We shook hands, and then we put our arms around each other's backs for a photo.  Afterwards, I grasped his hand.  I said, "Thank you for all that you have accomplished these past four years, and thank you for all that you will accomplish in the next four!" He said, "Thank you!"  With that, we parted.

It is rare that I am at a loss for words, but that brief encounter took my breath away.  Here, I had met the most powerful man in the world - my hero and the most accomplished President of my lifetime. What an honor and what an occasion.

Afterwards, I had a seat close to the front to hear him discuss his vision for this country and for the next four years.  President Obama talked about how far we have come since 2009. He talked about what drove him - to create policies that help the most people possible and to restore a sense of possibility in this country. He talked about his own family and about how their experience was America's experience. He expressed a belief in the American Dream - if you work hard, you have a chance to be successful.  His message came down to one of hope and perseverance, and the desire to leave this world better than how he found it.  One word more than any other summarizes his vision - Forward. Much of his remarks can be seen in the video below.


 
I feel lucky tonight. Not because I shook the hand of the leader of the free world. Rather, I feel lucky because I live in the free world and have a President who shares my vision and my dreams for that world.  More than anything, when I look at the President, I see possibility and opportunity. I hope my children see the same thing and that they know that hard work can allow one to scale any obstacle and overcome any challenge.  If they doubt me, I will show them that photo of me with the President once I receive it. I hope it will remind them of just what may be possible for them, too,... if only they set their minds to it! 
 
Forward!