ABC News - Former President Jimmy Carter's son speaks at state funeral
The speaker reflects on the legacy of their father, highlighting the love and support from the community in Georgia. They recount personal stories from childhood, illustrating the values of hard work and trust in neighbors, particularly African-American neighbors who were integral to their upbringing. The speaker shares a story about failing Latin in eighth grade and how their father dedicated time to help them succeed, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and parental support. They express gratitude to hospice workers and caregivers who supported their father in his later years, emphasizing the importance of community and family support. The speaker also reflects on the sacrifices made by their family during their father's presidency, acknowledging the challenges of balancing public service with family life. They cherish the time spent with their parents later in life, becoming friends and appreciating their parents' impact on the world.
Key Points:
- Community support is vital; Georgia's love was evident during family events.
- Hard work and trust in neighbors were learned early, especially from African-American community members.
- Parental involvement is crucial; father's dedication helped overcome academic challenges.
- Hospice and caregivers play a significant role in providing comfort and support.
- Balancing public service and family life requires sacrifices, but strengthens family bonds.
Details:
1. 🏞️ Heartfelt Journey Through Georgia
- The journey through Georgia was marked by overwhelming public support, evidenced by people standing on every overpass, which created a powerful emotional experience for those traveling.
- The Carter Center remains a significant institution for the family, symbolizing a continuation of legacy and connection to the community.
- Jason has been accepted into the family board, entrusted with carrying forward the legacy, which highlights trust and succession planning within the family.
2. 👨👦 Legacy and Family Values
- The family's aspirations, particularly Dad's leadership ambitions and Mom's dreams, have been realized through his significant roles as president and governor.
- This achievement is largely due to the collaborative efforts and support of the people involved, emphasizing the importance of community in fulfilling personal and family goals.
- Specific examples of initiatives or policies implemented during these leadership roles could provide deeper insights into the fulfillment of these family aspirations.
3. 🛠️ Childhood Lessons in Hard Work
- At age 10, the speaker and siblings were hired by Carter Warehouse to tag seed peanut bags, illustrating early work responsibility.
- They tagged 100 burlap bags at a time, each with a federal ticket indicating germination and farm data.
- The job paid a dime for every 100 bags tagged, emphasizing the value of money and work.
- The task taught attention to detail, as even a small crack in the peanut husk would prevent germination, requiring precision in handling.
4. 🏞️ Community and Childhood Memories
4.1. Trust and Diversity in Community
4.2. Creative Childhood Activities
5. 📚 The Latin Lesson and Fatherly Dedication
- The speaker failed Latin in eighth grade, receiving an 'F' at Christmas, initially seeing no practical value in learning the language.
- The speaker's father was displeased with the failing grade and took action by dedicating time during Christmas vacation to learn Latin himself from the speaker's textbook.
- Every evening, the father spent an hour and a half teaching the speaker Latin, showing remarkable dedication and support.
- This consistent effort led the speaker to request and be allowed to retake the midterm test, resulting in a perfect score of 100.
6. ⛺ Scouting Adventures and Ghost Stories
- A group of about 20 Boy Scouts participated in a six-mile hike to a pond on a farm, aiming to earn their hiking merit badges.
- The activity included traditional campfire foods like hot dogs and marshmallows, enhancing the outdoor experience.
- A ghost story session was held by a scout leader, which included one particularly gruesome story supposedly set on a local farm.
- The story led to a heightened sense of fear among the scouts, prompting them to use a buddy system for safety when venturing into the woods at night.
7. 🙏 Gratitude for Support and Care
- The speaker expresses gratitude towards the people who supported their father's legacy in Georgia and his roles as governor and president, acknowledging that the end of his presidency was challenging due to opposition.
- Recognition is given to hospice workers who provided care for the speaker's father for 22 months, delivering weekly reports that enhanced the family's confidence and ability to care for him.
- Acknowledgment of caregivers, including one present in the audience, who supported the speaker's father for six years, becoming friends and providing essential daily care.