February 1998 Flashback

I realized recently that it has been 10 years since Dad and I met US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. It feels like it was yesterday. I can remember vividly that Justice Thomas said I was like "Where's Waldo" because I kept popping up everywhere. He was very personable and had a great sense of humor while mingling with the guests.

When I picked up the developed pictures from the drug store, they had automatically enlarged the picture of Dad with Justice Thomas to see if we wanted to buy it. I did, but the funny part was, the clerk had no idea who he was, but enlarged it because it was a good picture. Even after I told them who it was, they didn't know. (Is that one of your Jaywalkers Shelly?) A few years later, I had the picture of myself with Justice Thomas on my desk at work. I remember one co worker who was very ugly to me when she saw his picture - she evidently hated him and thought he was an "Uncle Tom". Of course, I had another co worker who asked me if he was my husband. ???

Over the 10 years, Dad and I have both proudly displayed our pictures wishing we had a copy of the brillant speech he gave that night on "Civility". Maybe one day we will have the pleasure to hear him speak again. For now, I will settle for reading his insightful Supreme Court opinions, knowing he is protecting our country as the Founders would have wanted.

If you want to read about Justice Thomas' amazing and difficult life, his new memoir is excellent. My Grandfather's Son is the story of a determined man whose faith, courage, and perseverance inspired him to rise up against all odds and achieve his dreams. (yes, I stole that part from the review on Amazon)