Why I Love Peggy Noonan

Lots of people have lots to say about the passing of Ted Kennedy and Peggy Noonan is no exception. Oddly, though, her latest column has more to do with John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan's speech about JFK than it does with Ted. Or, more accurately, Ted's graceful note he gave to Reagan after Reagan delivered his speech.

But as the writer of Reagan's speech, Noonan is at her full power and the speech is a prime example of why I love reading Noonan. What caught my eye in this speech was an idea that Noonan has brought up many times since:

Everything we saw (JFK) do seemed to show a huge enjoyment of life; he seemed to grasp from the beginning that life is one fast-moving train, and you have to jump aboard and hold on to your hat and relish the sweep of the wind as it rushes by. You have to enjoy the journey, it's unthankful not to.

(Emphasis mine.)

It's easy to forget that we have multitudes of blessings in our lives; it's easier to forget to be grateful for them. Noonan reminds us, in Springsteen's words, that it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive. In fact, it's our duty.