Kitchen table moment about JK.

[PresidentObama]

I was over at my mother and fathers house, and had dinner with them. Afterwards nothing much was going on, so I decided to get onto my laptop that I brought with me to pass the time while I waited for my mom to finish the dishes. I was at the kitchen table, and just searching around the 'net and nothing major was going on. So I started going through my trusty JK video folder, because well...who is more interesting then the Senator? He surely could end my boredum!

My mom likes John a lot. She cried along with me back in 2004 when Kerry conceded, and she was the first person to say "Honey, I'm sorry" when John decided against running in 2008. My mother has always meant a lot to me. And while she jokes about getting the 'opportunity' to vote for Hillary in 2008, she was for Kerry in 2008 as well. And she knew the John Kerry we Kerrycrats appreciate, know, and love. And among the many things me and my mother get along about, politics is one of them!

So I popped on the floor speech from last week he gave about Iraq, and the Congress' responsibility to help bring an end to this war. I could tell my mother was listening across the room, and I could witness her glancing over every now and again out of the corner of my eye. I didn't say anything, I just let Senator Kerry's words soak in. I of course couldn't play the whole speech over her doing the dishes, but I wanted her to hear part of it--I knew she'd appreciate it.

Towards the end when Kerry started talking about Brian Freeman, my mother finished the dishes. She walked up behind me, and didn't say a word. She just listened, and about this point she placed her hand on my shoulder. Now I'm a very emotional person, especially when it comes to things I'm passionate about. And listening to Kerry it brought tears to my eyes, and it was just the sight to see with mother and son over the laptop watching and listening. The good man Senator Kerry on the screen preaching, lecturing, and teaching.

Finally the speech ended. My mom cleared her throat, and started talking about my uncle. Uncle Jim served in Vietnam, and lived a very quiet life combined with turmoil. He committed suicide on New Years, and was under so much pain when he killed himself. She talked about how Vietnam changed him, and caused the vast majority of his life's pain. She talked about how Senator Kerry was a good man for fighting that war, and coming home to fight a different war back home. The war for truth, the war for responsibility.

She finished the conversation with words I'll never forget: "John Kerry is a good man, and it's a damn shame he's not President. Damn shame!" I let out a little smile, and realized tears were falling down my face. After that I promptly put up my laptop, and realized I better get home. I told my parents goodbye, and told them I loved them.

On my way home, I couldn't forget that moment. How one moment of boredum turned into bonding over Senator Kerry's noble and bold leadership that our country could use right about now. No, he's not President. And like my mom said, thats a damn shame. But he's still a leader, and he's standing tall. I'm proud of John Kerry, and proud of his leadership.

I'm still reporting for duty, and folks....I'm damn proud to do so!

[karynnj]

1. wow, that is beautiful

It's hard when you realize how much healing he likely would have caused just by leading in the considerate respectful way he does anything. He has the heart, compassion and eloquence to do it. It's beyond said that people or no character prevented it.

Your parent sound like very special people.

[_dynamicdems]

2. That is a beautiful story.

Your mom sounds like a true Kerrycrat! I've got a daughter who feels the same way as I do about JK, so I can relate. My daughter even got into a fight with one of her husband's conservative friends because she was defending Kerry's honor over the botched joke.

It's very sad about your uncle. We should have learned from Vietnam. I'm afraid to think what is this insane war going to do to the men and women who have to spend tour after tour over there?

John Kerry would have made a wonderful president and it is truly our loss. But if he can help stop the insanity in Iraq and the potential insanity that Bush is planning for Iran, that will bring consolation.

I'm looking forward to all the good things Senator Kerry is going to do for our country.

[babylonsister]

3. What a beautiful post, and a lovely moment with your mom you can

cherish forever. Words can be powerful, and Senator Kerry sure knows how to use them. Damn shame, indeed. Thanks for this!

[PresidentObama]

4. The media plays Kerry as long winded and boring.

I think he is one of the most talented and passionate speakers I've ever heard. He can speak his heart about any topic, and the media and the critics get him wrong everytime they report anything about him.

John Kerry's the leader we know he is, and I hang onto my mom's words. It's a shame he isn't President, but he'll be the leader on the IWR America needs. Whether they appreciate it or not!

Side note, I'm so sick of the 08' race already. Where is the substance? All I hear is talk about star power, hollywood appeal, and charisma. I want a leader, not someone who could be on American Idol. Kerry's vision for America would have benefited the 2008 race, but he has more important issues now--like ending this tragic war so families like the Freeman's don't have to mourn the loss of their sons. So thousands of families down the road don't have to face the same tragic event my family did with Uncle Jim killing himself because of the after effects of war!

[MBS]

6. Thanks so much for your story.

I agree with you completely about JK's speaking ability, and I share your frustrations about the '08 race. Like your mom said so well, "Damn shame. Damn shamre."

[BlueIris]

5. Nice post. Nice mom.

My family members are still walking on egg shells around me when it comes to discussing the Kerry thing with me, because they remember how hard I crashed after '04. Four days after he said no to '08, my mom finally ask me something neutral like, "So...what do you think about...what he said?" She sounded like she thought I was going to go crazy.

[beachmom]

7. Thank you for sharing this story with your Mom.

Part of me is always an optimist. Remember how Kerry had answered about an '08 question last fall: something like "I've got more that I've got to say" or similar? Well, I think that's still true -- he's got more to say and it's going to come out in the Senate or in speeches that are to come. You can count on that.

[PresidentObama]

8. More to say, and more to do.

Kerry can go at this conflict in Iraq full force, without the restraints of being a Presidential candidate and speak honestly and forcefully in a time when we need more leaders to put the nations interest before personal gain. He unselfishly put his Presidential bid behind him, and rolled up his sleeves. Important work lays at the desk of Senator Kerry, and he's answering that call now.

No need for another campaign where he'd be overanalyzed and picked apart unfairly. He knows whats more important: Ending this tragic and messy war!

God bless John Kerry, and I'm very thankful he's doing whats right.