Reagan On The Campaign Trail 2008

While the Presidential Election didn't turn out

the way we had hoped, we were,

as a family, energized by Sarah Palin.

Anna, Reagan and I had an opportunity to see Governor Palin in West Chester. What a crowd! We were actually pretty close to the stage. We were surprised when Sarah, at the end of her rally, came down to the crowd to shake hands.
As much as we tried, we were not able to get close enough.

A couple weeks later, we got tickets to go see John McCain and Sarah Palin at Lunken Airport. This time we all went. We waited in a line outside the airport hanger where the "Country First" campaign would arrive. Once inside we could see alot of people getting prime positions in front of the stage. We were very fortunate to find a spot right on the rope line where we hoped that the McCain's and Palin's would pass by.

The first of two planes landed and taxied up close to the hanger. Many members of the press and staff got off along with the featured entertainment, Gretchen Wilson and her band. She only had time to set up and sing one song, "Redneck Woman". Jenna tried to get an autograph. Ms. Wilson said she couldn't. Maybe she was not permitted to, the walkway where she was exiting was slightly elevated and about 10 feet from where we stood. Probably seeing the disappointment on Jenna's face, Gretchen Wilson stepped down from the walkway

and came over to shake Jenna's hand.

Shortly after, the second airplane landed and the place went wild with applause and cheers. John and Cindy McCain came down the steps

followed by Sarah and Todd Palin.

They walked right in front of where we were standing. Two of Sarah Palin's children also came to the stage area.

As did Rob Portman.

After the rally, the youngest two daughters of Sarah and Todd Palin walked back toward the plane. Piper Palin looked over at Reagan and said, "He's Cute". We thought that was really cool. Then what happened was really, really cool! I couldn't snap pictures quick enough to show the full interaction between the candidates and our family...but you will get a good idea.

Twenty or thirty seconds is a long time to spend with someone in a rope line at a political rally. John and Cindy McCain both made over Reagan and Senator McCain had very kind words for Anna. Anna likes to say that at this point Cindy McCain is saying, "John, move out of the way so I can see this little boy".

Then, just what we had hoped for... Sarah sees Reagan.

Reagan meets Sarah Palin. When he sees her on television he chants Sarah! Sarah! At one point while she and Anna are talking, Todd Palin reaches over to pat Reagan's head. Again, 30 seconds or more go by...Sarah reaches out and takes Anna's hand. For a moment Sarah and Anna just lock eyes and say nothing at all... mom to mom of special needs children...their eyes said it all.

Anna introduces Reagan as her perfect little boy. We give them our best wishes and encouragement. We tell them thet they are in our prayers. A final kiss.

They had to move on.

While the Presidential Election didn't turn out the way we had hoped,

we were, as a family, energized by Sarah Palin.