Monday, February 16, 2009

Presidents' Day


Today is President's Day and for me that means that I have a day off. It is gray outside and chilly this morning. It looks like another good day to take it easy.

I've been reading quite a bit of history about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. I didn't know much about Adams until I watched the mini-series on him and became fascinated by his erudite, dogmatic and tenacious ways. His relationship with his wife is truly moving. Even though they were separated by great distances for many years of their marriage, their friendship and love for each other never wavered. Tragically, their son Charles died of alcoholism. John Adams was never able to forgive his son for being an alcoholic, yet Abigail loved Charles with all her heart.

Thomas Jefferson has been a figure of history that I knew quite a bit about since he went to my alma mater the College of William and Mary, was born and bred a Virginian, visited the county where I grew up, and was studied in classes that I took. I also visited his famous house Monticello several times.

I'm currently reading a book Mr. Jefferson's Women that is a scholarly work on his relationship with women. He was somewhat of a misogynist and largely mistrusted women after his two proposals of marriage to Miss Burwell were turned down. He later married but lost his wife following childbirth. His relationship with his slave Sally Hemings has been the subject of much writing.

What I think is the most interesting aspect of the relationship of Adams and Jefferson is that they both died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826. Jefferson died a few hours before Adams, both having made amends for political enmity years before. They remained steadfast friends up until the time of their deaths. It seems that this was a moment that God decided to take these two men, within hours of each other who had both done so much to shape this nation. Another "came to believe" moment for me.

11 comments:

  1. What a stimulating historian post...nice way to get my mind exercising before I begin my exercise routine.

    Sometimes I concentrate too much just on Al-Anon's literature and than I balance it out by reading other books lately.

    I hate to admit it but my 13 year old son is making me read books for his age... so we have something in common. I actually do enjoy these fantasy books where dogs and cats can talk.. (it is just fun and playful and non-adult like).

    Thanks for this post... hope to see you Moderate another Chat again. (sorry we all got bumped off)(enjoy your day off).. BettyAnn

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  2. It is fascinating to learn about the private side of great public figures. Biographies are my favorite reading.

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  3. When you visited Jefferson's home, did you call him Mr. President, or Tom? (Sorry, I gotta -grin)

    Regarding the "Sunday Night With Syd" 'fireside chat'?...you wrote, "Should I dare"? (A repeat). Of COURSE, WITHOUT a doebt! I'm sure (you'd better) let us know when Alix reschedules.

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  4. interesting read this. damn, i could do with a long weekend today.... nah, i'm actually perfectly okay with today. have a good day off!

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  5. Syd, you are a shining jewel in the blogosphere. Thank you.

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  6. Refreshing read about this Mr President. Didnt know any of it and almost feel like I've peeped behind a curtain. Thanks for sharing :-)

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  7. How ironic, I've thought about reading about these same 2 recently.

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  8. Thanks for the history reminder and dragging my memory to date. History was my fave subject.

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  9. Hey, I just nominated you for a "lovey" award....head over to my blog to receive it if you are interested. Blessings to you my friend.

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  10. I enjoyed this post. People are interesting.

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  11. I think I took almost the exact same photo of the Jefferson Memorial this past summer when I was on DC. I took several from every angle.

    I, too, find it facsinating that Jefferson and Adams died on the same date on July 4. Willpower, I think. Stubborn old men :)

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