
12/30/2024
As I sit down to write, my heart feels the heavy weight of losing two incredible souls, President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. We said goodbye to Mrs. Carter last year, and now we mourn the President. It’s hard to imagine a world without their light.
Reflecting on my time with the Carters fills me with warmth and inspiration. In 2004, Mrs. Carter chose me as a journalism fellow, and with her moral and financial support, I was able to investigate longstanding abuse and inhumane practices at Oregon’s 145-year-old psychiatric hospital, famous as the set of the 1975 movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The state closed the hospital in 2006, and I continued to work with the Carters for another 16 years on various initiatives. That experience ultimately inspired me to the work I do today as a mental health professional.
The Carters’ legacy shines so brightly—championing mental health, advocating for the unheard, and tirelessly working for peace across the globe. They were a remarkable team, and their love for each other and humanity was palpable.
I’ll never forget dinner with President Carter, his genuine curiosity about my North Dakota farm roots made me feel so seen and valued. For the past 20 years, I cherished hand-signed notes from Mrs. Carter—a holiday greeting or a reminder of the impact of our shared work. This year, that tradition ended, leaving a poignant silence.
President and Mrs. Carter were as good as they seemed—humble, dedicated, and filled with love. Their laughter and commitment remind us of what truly matters.
As we honor their memory, let’s embrace their lessons: advocate for those in need, listen deeply, and strive to make the world better. Though they are gone,they’ve planted deep seeds that we must continue to nourish. Thank you, President and Mrs. Carter, for everything. You will be profoundly missed. 🇺🇸