Five Reasons to Love Abe

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1. His contributions to our nation still impact us today

Abraham Lincoln worked toward one central goal - to preserve the Union. Today, no matter how difficult, or seemingly unattainable, I believe most Americans want to preserve the Union - to make our country whole and united.

2. He let his kids have fun in the White House

During his residency at the White House, two of his sons, Willie and Tad, had liberal reins on exploring the mansion. They indulged in mischief, such as sabotaging the bell system for summoning servants, galloping a pet goat down the central corridor, and cutting up tablecloths to shreds with pocket knives. Our dear President turned a blind eye to ventures of this sort. We all know how important it is to let kids be kids.

Celebrating the Life of a Hero

For anyone who knows me, they know I have a soft spot for everything, Lincoln. I have studied the man, his ideals, and his virtues, and I still can’t get enough of him. This post is to give you a little glimpse at some lesser-known facts about his life and why I continue to admire him.

5. His life was very public - and he handled it with grace

During the tenure of Lincoln's presidency, the Executive Mansion had an open-door policy to the public, regardless of the war going on. "From Lincoln's first day in office, a multitude of visitors besieged the White House stairways and corridors, climbed through windows at levees, and camped outside Lincoln's office door on all conceivable errands, for all imaginable purposes," according to The White House Historical Association. Many of the larger rooms, like the ballroom, were used as makeshift hospitals. Today, can you imagine a public citizen camping inside the White House to get a chance to pow-wow with the President? I need my alone time!

3. He was empathetic to a wife who experienced tremendous grief

Mary Todd Lincoln is well-known to have had breakdowns during her life with our 16th President. She suffered the loss of a son, endured public scrutiny during our nation's most divided time, and had to devote her life to Lincoln's presidency. He is known to be steadfast and indulgent, and a gatekeeper to those who wanted to know more.

4. He loved his step-mother dearly

Nancy Hanks Lincoln, Abraham’s mother, died suddenly after drinking milk tainted with snakeroot when he was nine years old. Soon after, his father married widower Sarah Bush and brought her and her three young children to live in the Lincoln family’s small cabin. Sarah contributed a caring woman’s touch to the household, and she loved Lincoln as her own. The feeling was mutual, and he referred to her as his “angel mother.”

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spreading the love…