Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced in a brief statement last Wednesday that a recent liver surgery revealed that he had cancer that had spread to other parts of his body. "A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week", he said. For now, he will be rearranging his schedule as necessary so he can undergo treatment.
Following this announcement, words of sympathy and encouragement for the former president are all over the social media. In a statement issued by the White House, President Barack Obama said, "Jimmy, you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you". He spoke with Carter on Wednesday to wish him a full and speedy recovery.
However, in a town with less than 800 people, he was just a 90-year old Sunday school teacher, Mr. Jimmy. Mr. Jimmy, who sometimes stops at Mimmie's Diner for three vegetables, cornbread and a glass of buttermilk, is sick and Plains is deeply saddened but remains strong in faith. A sense of despair is hanging over the town of Plains where Carter once tended his peanut fields. The town's history is deeply intertwined with the former's president life.
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It is difficult not to associate Carter with the little town. The train station that was Carter's presidential campaign headquarters in 1976 can easily be seen from a Pharmacy across Main Street. There's also a stop called Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, named after Carter's wife. The Plains Trading Post is stocked with political memorabilia and one store sells shot glasses that have print, "Plains, GA. Home of Jimmy Carter" on them. Each year, Plains draws thousands of tourists, most of them stop by just to hear Carter at Maranatha where he holds his Sunday school classes. Clearly, this small town prides itself as Carter's hometown.
Philip Kurland, who runs the Plains Trading Post with his wife said, "I'm extremely concerned and apprehensive. President Carter is 90, but he is very resilient, and if there is a way to prolong or succeed or beat this, I'd pick him up. I mean look at all of what he's fought for his political career." Willie Raven, a cook for at Mimmie's also added, "He's been the life of this town." Phones keep on ringing at the Plains Historic Inn after Wednesday's announcement. Many offered prayers and some wanted to make reservations at the Inn hoping to see Carter teach at the church.
Despite this, residents remain hopeful. Carter's birthday celebration is all set for next week. And as they always say, everyone is invited to see Mr. Jimmy.
