Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Meeting Mr. President



What does one say to the President of the United States? What does one do when meeting a person of prestige and honor? I had this recent discussion with myself as I had the greatest distinction of a little tiny how-do-you-do with President Barack Obama a few weeks back. My typical greeting is all fru-fru with mommy-hugs, best wishes and all that. I know the Secret Service protocol enough to know, I didn't want to get arrested for accosting my favorite President.

I also thought about all the thousands of comments, compliments and criticisms he must hear through out an ordinary week of traveling and meeting with others. If I had the opportunity to meet him face to face and have his attention for a few brief seconds, and shake his hand, I wanted my greeting to have some jounce. I wanted something "special" to say at that moment, wouldn't you?

The entire event was beyond exciting and inspiring. His presence had a profound effect on me. When I got the chance to greet him, we shook hands, and I told him, "It is a pleasure to share the planet with you." He looked me in the eyes, gently grabbed both of my hands and looked me in the eyes and said; "Thank, you."