“Now he belongs to the ages.”

We went to the Land of Lincoln visiting its capital, Springfield, the location of several Lincoln sites. We saw his home, the only home he ever owned, law office, Old State Capitol where he worked, his tomb, and his recently built (2005) presidential library and museum. The museum was top notch. I loved learning more about him and his family, his personality, his trials and triumphs. We think of him as a great success coming from a tiny one room log cabin to the White House. Yet, it was amazing to see just how many failures he had along the way. But he didn’t let that stop him. It was also striking to learn and experience just how much criticism he faced continuously, both on the road to the White House and in it. He was criticized by Northerners and Southerners, Republican and Democrat. Many blamed him for the war and all the lives lost on both sides. When I saw his tomb and its monument it struck me that he surely would be shocked to see how loved, admired and honored he has been in his death.