President Reagan Loved Jelly Beans, I Do Not
Today, I want to reflect on a quote by the legendary boxer Mohammed Ali that really resonates with me: "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life." This powerful statement by Ali reminds us of the importance of growth and adaptation throughout our lives. Mohammed Ali was not only one of the greatest boxers of all time but also a witty and insightful individual. He had a way with words, using his platform to address important topics and challenge conventional thinking. Although some of Ali's sayings may have seemed unusual or even confusing at times, there is no denying the wisdom behind his words.
One area where Ali's quote rings true is within the realm of work. A recent study suggests that most Americans now consider the traditional 9 to 5 job as outdated. This shift in perspective, fueled by the changing work landscape, reflects a desire for flexibility and a better work-life balance. However, it is crucial not to mistake this change in mindset for laziness. Rather, it signifies an evolving understanding of what constitutes a fulfilling career. Throughout my own career, especially during my time in Congress, I experienced firsthand the demands and long hours required of public servants. But I also learned the value of engaging with my constituents through town hall meetings. These open forums allowed me to stay connected with the people I represented and reminded me of the importance of listening and adapting to their needs.
Another aspect of life that Ali's quote brings to mind is the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. As someone who never had the privilege of knowing my own grandparents, I have made it a priority to maintain a close bond with my grandkids. Ali once said that grandparents and grandchildren share a common enemy, which brings them closer together. This lighthearted remark holds an element of truth – the shared love and care for the younger generation fosters a unique connection.
The feeling of being spoiled rotten by parents and grandparents is one that many of us cherish from our younger years. These moments of affection and attention shape our understanding of love and support. As adults, we can still find joy in looking back on those treasured memories, both as recipients of such adoration and as providers of it to the next generation.
During my tenure in Congress, town hall meetings served as crucial forums for engaging with constituents and addressing their concerns. One memorable encounter perfectly encapsulates the essence of Mohammed Ali's timeless wisdom. Amidst the bustling crowd and diverse range of inquiries, a seemingly unconventional question caught my attention.
A woman, her hand eagerly raised for what seemed like an eternity, finally had the floor. With a wry smile, she prefaced her inquiry as a "stupid question." Despite the initial lightheartedness, her query resonated deeply. She wondered aloud about a seemingly mundane issue, one that many might dismiss as inconsequential. However, her words struck a chord, prompting reflection long after the meeting adjourned.
In the ensuing years, her seemingly "stupid question" would prove to be anything but. What began as a humorous moment during a town hall meeting eventually led to legislative action. Her inquiry, once the subject of amusement, evolved into a catalyst for change, culminating in a bill signed into law by President Reagan.
Let's reflect on some significant milestones that have reached the age of fifty this year, like post-it notes and barcodes. These everyday inventions have become essential parts of our lives, streamlining tasks and improving efficiency.
Skittles the candy are 50 but they remind me too much of jelly beans. One time I was at the White House, visiting with none other than President Reagan himself. Now, Reagan had this notorious love for jelly beans, which, to be honest, I never quite shared. But there we were, and he's got this massive jar of jelly beans sitting there. With a gesture that's probably meant to be welcoming, he goes, "Let me get you some jelly beans." And I'm thinking, "Okay, Mister President, let's see where this goes."
He scoops up a handful of these jelly beans, all different flavors mind you, and dumps them onto a napkin for me. Now, in the moment, maybe it's the aura of the Oval Office or just trying to be polite, I eat them. And I eat them fast. It's a mix of all sorts of flavors, and they're sticking to my teeth, and I'm just trying to get through it. Before I know it, Reagan, seeing my napkin empty, decides I need more and repeats the process. This time, though, I'm onto the game. I pick at them one by one, taking as long as humanly possible, because honestly, those jelly beans were a nightmare on my dental work.
Reflecting on it, the irony wasn't lost on me. Here I was, in the office of one of the most powerful people in the world, having a moment over jelly beans. Some people love them, sure, but me? I couldn't think of a candy I liked less. And yet, in the spirit of diplomacy and perhaps a bit of self-preservation, I made my way through that second napkin of jelly beans slower than anyone ever has.
Looking back, it's a funny story, a unique intersection of presidential history and personal preference, all wrapped up in the sticky medium of jelly beans. Reagan's enthusiasm for those candies, juxtaposed with my polite desperation, just adds a layer of humor to the whole ordeal. It's a reminder that sometimes, the smallest things can create the most memorable moments—even if they do leave you picking at your teeth afterward.
Another 50 year old invention is the maneuver introduced by Dr. Heimlich himself. Before that, the go-to solution for choking was basically thumping someone on the back until they either stopped choking or you risked breaking their ribs – a real hit or miss approach, if you ask me. Fast forward to me attending a Congress session where they're giving us the rundown on all sorts of things, including this Heimlich maneuver. Honestly, it felt a bit like filler at the time, but who knew?
About two years after that enlightening session, my sister Beth Hodges from Amarillo, along with her husband Jack, were visiting me. We decided to dine out at this nice spot in Washington, D.C. Mid-meal, Beth starts choking. It was clear as day to me what was happening. Jack, bless him, defaults to the old school back-hitting method. That's when I sprang into action, maneuvered my way around the table, and executed the Heimlich maneuver with a finesse only slightly exaggerated in the retelling. Beth coughs, crisis averted, and she's breathing again.
Here's the kicker: I quipped to Beth that I wished this whole heroic scene had unfolded back in my district – say, Lubbock or somewhere – where it could've earned me some serious brownie points. But no, it had to be in D.C., where no one bats an eye. Beth, though, she was just glad to be breathing again. The local congressman turns lifesaver narrative didn't quite make the rounds, but hey, it was a moment.
Reflecting on it, the whole experience felt surreal. There I was, initially skeptical about learning the Heimlich, only to end up using it to save my sister. It goes to show, you never know when a bit of knowledge, however random it seems at the time, can come in handy. And the CPR bit they taught us? That's another golden nugget of knowledge.
Oh, and there's this one time in high school, during a bonfire setup for homecoming, when a friend got winded by a falling limb. The immediate panic turned into a comedic pause when my offer of mouth-to-mouth was met with a swift, "I'm okay." Guess sometimes the threat of resuscitation is all you need for a quick recovery.
Embracing change and growth leads to a life well-lived. Whether it's adapting to new work practices, fostering meaningful relationships with family members, or embracing technological advancements, evolve and grow. By doing so, we ensure that we make the most of our time and avoid wasting precious years. Remember, life is a journey of constant learning and adaptation, and our ability to do so shapes our experiences and legacy. Thank you for joining me on yet another episode of "Kent Hands, the Best Storyteller in Texas" podcast. Until next time, may we all find the wisdom and courage to adapt and grow throughout our lives.
