Reply #11: You are exactly right...

[targetpractice]

My father was in the Air Force during the Eisenhower administration, and served as an honor guard (or something like that) when Queen Elizabeth visited the US in 1957. She simply walked past him at one point, but he retold the story to us again and again... He always said she was stunningly beautiful in person, and that she radiated an inspiring presence... He was always quick to say how proud he was to be present at that moment in history.

Unfortunately, I never got along with my father...

But, whenever I see Obama hug a kid or shake someone's hand on camera... I think of my father and how meaningful such a gesture like that can be... A brush with greatness can carry someone throughout a lifetime.

I wish I had clued in earlier re: Barack Obama, and snagged a handshake long ago. I'm afraid I'll never get to shake his hand now. :-(