President’s Day typically isn’t a date any of us circle on the calendar and mark with excited celebration, honoring George Washington’s birthday. We make no frantic runs to the party store to buy favors. There usually isn’t broad discussion about the incumbent president or others who have resided on Pennsylvania Avenue. The day comes and goes with little fanfare and most people are just happy if they get the day off work.
Not me. President’s Day causes me to reminisce.
You see, when my toddler was 10-months-old, he was held by President Barack Obama. Because sometimes, well, sometimes you gotta “jump the fence” and take a chance to make life happen. Wait, let me explain.
It was on my friend’s bucket list to see President Obama speak and when he was visiting the area for a rally on November 1, 2016, we seized the moment. I explained to her that years ago I saw President Obama speak and when about 30 people hopped a fence at the end of his speech to meet him, I stayed behind to follow the rules. I told her, “Today we are rule breakers, not rule followers.” I learned my lesson and wouldn’t make the same mistake.
I must have known all along what was to happen. I sent a text message to my friend that fateful day telling her I was dressing my baby in something cute because I fully expected to get close enough for President Obama to hold him. I told my husband the same thing and was probably met with an exaggerated wink and eye roll. Imagine our dismay when we were turned away from the main venue and corralled into a gymnasium next door. We thought our opportunity was over.
But we set up shop, were close to a makeshift stage, and waited. I was hearing rumors President Obama may make an appearance so I chatted up Security. “That’s what they’re telling us,” the man scooped. I got myself busy making friends with people around us so I felt comfortable enough crowd surfing my baby to the front gate. Seriously this was part of a potential plan. Everybody around us was on board.
Suddenly, the Press Corps entered the room and stood directly in front of us. We knew it was game-time. And there he was, President Barack Obama. He stepped up to the podium to thank everybody and apologized to us for being in the overflow room, he then moved off the stage and toward us to begin shaking hands.
This was our chance. My son was positioned on the top of my shoulders (the first time and last time that ever happened) and I pointed him in the direction of the president, over a few rows of people. It was now or never. I all but threw my baby toward President Obama as he motioned to hold him while saying, “Mom, he’s crying.” That day, I jumped the fence.
The President of the United States of America was holding my 10-month-old.
As you can imagine, we tell this story a lot in our family. But one thing has resonated with our 12-year-old son: that sometimes you take chances, sometimes you gotta break little rules, and sometimes it makes for pretty awesome memories. Nothing dangerous, of course, we aren’t unhinged. But, our son tells us stories about being brave, putting himself out there, finding his courage, and making life an adventure. At dinner he will say, “I jumped the fence today, guys,” and we couldn’t be more proud.
Happy President’s Day. Now go jump a fence.
