Ronald Reagan: Champion of Freedom - Husband - Father - Family Man
(c) 2004 Sheryl Simons (6/17/2004)
"To those who would crush religious freedom, our
message is plain: You may jail your believers. You
may close their churches, confiscate their Bibles and
harass their rabbis and priests, but you will never
destroy the love of God and freedom that burns in
their hearts. They will triumph over you."
-- Ronald Reagan, in remarks at White House Briefing
on Religious Freedom in the Soviet Union, 1988
Ronald Reagan was a great man. I don't mean a good
president, but a great man. Not only did world
leaders speak highly of him, but his own children
told such warm stories about their father, we know he
was a hero without ever being an actor, a soldier, or
even the President of the United States. Many of us
didn't know or didn't remember what kind of man he
was, what kind of character he exhibited. They spoke
of a man, busy yes, but not too busy to spend time
with his children, to help bury a turtle or give a
pony ride.
Some complained about the airtime Reagan's funeral
received this past week. Others were indifferent.
Some were glad to get reacquainted with a man who,
no matter what your political views, was an
outstanding leader in our great nation.
We also got to know what kind of husband Ronald
Reagan was. Ronald and Nancy were said to have
greeted each other after five hours as if they had
been apart for 5 months. Their letters, which
they never tired of writing, tell a story of deep and
true affection.
Some might have thought that Nancy has been a
prisoner of her husband's illness these past 10
years, but I believe that Ronald would have done the
same for Nancy. She never gave a thought to where
else they might be, or what they were missing, but
just that it was where she belonged – by his side as
much as possible.
Nancy also showed incredible strength this past
grueling week, with all the state ceremonies, she
must have been exhausted, but never gave in to her
own weariness.
Reagan, like any other president, made errors in
judgment - made mistakes – and there were those who
disagreed with him often, but he left a legacy of
faith, honor and service to family and country.
Mr. Reagan, we have learned from you. Thank you for
being a part of our simple world.
* * * * *
Sheryl Simons publishes "The Simple Life" - a
newsletter bringing you simple ideas about
families, money saving ideas, camping, gardening,
recipes and some heartfelt inspiration. Sheryl's
stories and articles have appeared in many Northern
Michigan newspapers and on many web sites including
The Dollar Stretcher, Heartwarmers, Gardenwarmers,
Hearttouchers and (of course) My Favorite Ezines.
Sheryl is also a contributing author to the
recently released "Chicken Soup for the Christian
Woman's Soul".
