Luke and the President

Luke with "Aarock O Mama" May 4, 2009

Lukie was three years old when I took this picture.  The kids and I had taken a few days during spring break and traveled to Cincinnati for a mini vacation. 

We stopped at Biggs Grocery store in Harrison OH to grab some snack food. While I was in the check out lane, the kids were visiting the game and candy machines in the front of the store.  Luke came back to me crying, "Aarock O Mama!!"  I had NO idea what he was talking about, but on the way out, he kept pointing to the "Claw Machine" and saying it over and over.  I stopped and asked him if he wanted the Barack Obama doll.  He smiled, clapped and said, "YES!"  I resigned to spend several dollars getting my baby this doll, only because he was so cute about wanting a Barack Obama doll. 

 Thankfully, and amazingly, I won on my first $.50!  Lukie carried that doll around for a good year before I think we left it somewhere...

After Lukie died in August, I sent a short note along with this picture to President Obama.  

This came in Saturday's mail.

Dear Janice:

     Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your son, Luke.  Words fail when a child is taken from us too soon, but I pray you find comfort and strength in the love and support of family and friends.

     My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.


         Sincerely,

                                                                         Barack Obama