Oh, President Carter.
They don’t make many like you anymore.
Your passing feels deeply personal, like losing a mentor who shaped my values from afar. You were the first U.S. President of my newlywed years and I’ll never forget when you won. I had fallen asleep, worried about the results, unsure if the world would choose someone who valued kindness and integrity the way you did. The next morning, Bruce, ever thoughtful, came over to wake me with a gentle kiss, his voice soft but joyful: “Carter won.” That moment, so full of hope and promise, has stayed with me all these years.
I’ve always admired people who don’t just talk about their beliefs but live them, even when it’s hard, even when it’s unpopular. You did that every day.
You built homes for those in need through Habitat for Humanity, working on sites well into your 90s, hammer in hand. You fought to eradicate diseases like Guinea worm disease, reducing millions of cases to just a handful in recent years. You fostered peace by mediating conflicts, including the historic Camp David Accords of 1978, which brought Egypt and Israel together in a groundbreaking treaty.
Your presidency wasn’t perfect—what presidency is?—but what stood out to me wasn’t just the policies or the decisions, but the heart behind them. You cared deeply about human rights, about peace, about making choices rooted in integrity rather than political expediency. That’s rare in any era, but especially now.
As someone who strives to live with purpose and raise the next generation to value kindness, compassion, and fairness, your example has always been a guiding light. You showed that it’s not about chasing perfection or accolades but about doing the right thing, even in small ways, every day.
You’ve inspired me as a parent and grandparent, as a writer, and as someone who believes in building bridges where others see walls. Your legacy reminds me that even when life feels overwhelming, there’s power in rolling up your sleeves and doing what needs to be done—whether that’s helping a neighbor, speaking truth, or quietly standing up for justice.
Rest well, President Carter. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy is safe in the hands of those you’ve inspired. I hope we can be worthy of the example you set.
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Can you imagine the past and future White House occupant pounding nails for poor people?
Carter was a hero in the Navy. He risked life and limb to save his crew.
Much of the commentary I have heard today focuses on the idea that his presidency was unsuccessful but his post-presidency was incredible. I get it. But also, as Wikipedia notes: “Carter pardoned all Vietnam War draft evaders on his second day in office. He created a national energy policy that included conservation, price control, and new technology. Carter successfully pursued the Camp David Accords, the Panama Canal Treaties, and the second round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks.” And remember solar panels on the roof – ahead of his time.