A brief John Lewis story:

He came to speak at convocation my freshman year at MU. He was inspiring, witty, powerful; all the things you'd expect.

When I met up with my parents the next day, I asked what they were up to. My dad said "had a great chat with John Lewis."

(1/x)

Turns out that some of dad's high school friends met Lewis at an early Civil Rights protest. Mind you, this was some 50 years ago.

My dad stopped Lewis and thanked him for coming. Said his friends spoke very highly of Lewis.

(2/x)

I don't remember these friends' names, but Lewis did. Recalled every conversation and asked how they were doing now.

At an event with thousands of people turned out to see him, a civil rights icon and sitting congressman took 10 minutes to shoot the breeze with my dad.

(3/x)

More than anything, Lewis made change seem possible.

He made all of us feel like we could impact the world in ways every bit as significant and lasting as he did, even though most of us will never endure what he endured.

He was the best of America.

/End