General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsA picture 148 years in the making.
Babyloniansister posted this thread about Janiya Penny's meeting of the President captured in one of the most arresting pictures every taken at the White House.
We don't know what circumstances led to Janiya getting listed on the 'Make-a-Wish' list but we know there is a mountain of heartbreak weighing on the family of every child who is on that list.
In the picture you will see that Janiya is overcome by joy at meeting the President.
You can see the joy of the parents.
The President is completely in the moment and after greeting Janiya has turned to connect with her parents, who undoubtedly have been through their own personal torment in accompanying Janiya through her challenges.
If that was all in the picture it would be a candidate for the shortlist for iconic White House pictures.
But glance up wards and view the picture with the melancholy view of President Lincoln witnessing the event.
That additional framing gives an added almost surrealistic level to the painting. It shows the completed circle that goes from a compassionate leader who pays the greatest sacrifice to illustrating how progressive policies can transform real people's lives.
And the wise compassion of one leader becomes the foundation for the wise compassion of another.
And in her innocence Janiya becomes not only our sister but shows us how politics does in fact impact real people.
And we all share in her joy.
And grateful to those who have sacrificed before us so that we can share the moment with her.
CaliforniaPeggy
(151,693 posts)Your prose is beautiful and so very fitting.
Thank you!
Melinda
(5,465 posts)Thanks for creating and sharing this thread.
former-republican
(2,163 posts)but I'm glad she got her wish.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)thanks, very eloquent
dmr
(28,631 posts)Love that pic. Would like to frame that one.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)There are actually so MANY frameable moments with him!
Care Acutely
(1,370 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)defacto7
(13,485 posts)Cha
(304,066 posts)Frame It! So Poignant.
Therion418
(2 posts)4 more years!
left on green only
(1,484 posts)I fell right into the whole thing. At first I looked at the picture on the surface only, and then as I read down and read where Babyloniansister/grantcart pointed out the intrinsic implications of the scene, I totally lost it.
mimi85
(1,805 posts)I thought I had a rough day yesterday - this pic totally put my piddly shit in perspective. My wish is for all her wishes to come true. Dammit, gotta get some Kleenex...
calimary
(83,826 posts)Glad to have you with us, Therion418! We need you! Let's all make SURE there are four more years!
Now get to work.
grantcart
(53,061 posts)kdmorris
(5,649 posts)It is a awesome picture, indeed!
freshwest
(53,661 posts)Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)...and would then get offended and deny it when you told them Lincoln was a Republican.
Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)malaise
(277,019 posts)you're cold.
Thanks _ I saw it the first time but you made me share their joy again.
Spazito
(53,647 posts)I hadn't seen the photo until you posted it, thanks for doing that, it is much appreciated.
grantcart
(53,061 posts)lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)proReality
(1,628 posts)What a beautiful tribute and photographic record! Thank you for posting it.
SleeplessinSoCal
(9,577 posts)Odin2005
(53,521 posts)VPStoltz
(1,295 posts)skeewee08
(1,983 posts)redqueen
(115,164 posts)Th1onein
(8,514 posts)I really am so proud of her. We CAN do better. Yes, we can!
secondvariety
(1,245 posts)The photo deserves a Pulitzer.
FailureToCommunicate
(14,291 posts)denese
(271 posts)...thank you for lifting up my spirit with such a beautiful post.
I wish them every blessing
Chorophyll
(5,179 posts)WHEN CRABS ROAR
(3,813 posts)SleeplessinSoCal
(9,577 posts)SunSeeker
(53,398 posts)earthbone
(89 posts)What a great photo.Kinda made my eyes tear up.I would guess she got her wish.
nolabear
(42,937 posts)ladyslipper
(11 posts)kpete
(72,815 posts)so much for sharing
peace, kp
WillyT
(72,631 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)flamingdem
(39,832 posts)Permanut
(6,523 posts)LongTomH
(8,636 posts)Last edited Mon Sep 24, 2012, 03:09 PM - Edit history (1)
A beautiful and touching picture!
Edited to add: I just shared this picture to my Facebook page, along with a few lines of your comments.