John Adams.

I grew up next door to John Adams. We called him Johnny back then. He got in trouble in freshmen history for writing his name. It so happened that when the teacher sent a piece of paper down the isle to have the students write their names he was in the same roll as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. He was promptly sent to the principal’s office for this out rage. The teacher was quite embarrassed to learn that his name was truly “John Adams”.

Well, that has nothing to do with the book by the same name by David McCullough but it was a great read anyway. It was an incredible read. Even knowing the outcome, I cried when Abigail passed and then cried again at John’s passing. I felt I had lost close friends having journeyed with them through their glories and their griefs. Even now, several days later, I still miss them.

His character was without reproach. He lived what he believed and fought for the same. He was optimistic about the future and President Bush has nothing in comparison to the personal attaches (unfounded as they were) that John Adams endured. He maintained his integrity through it all.

This character is the in the very genes of America. As affliction and hardship brought out the best of that generation, (and others that followed) I believe that our current hardships will result in the shedding of unwanted pounds from around our lazy, soft bellies. And we will rise out of our slumber as the occasion demands to shine bright in righteousness and truth.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill said, “What kind of people do they think we are? Is it possible they do not realize that we shall never cease to persevere against them until they have been taught a lesson which they and the world will never forget?”

So with that said, I want to grow up and be like John Adams.