Faith

When they were at the peak of their power, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams hated each other with a passion. Although they were real political enemies, each was blessed with a long, creative retirement which allowed them to open up to one another. During this period a reconciling correspondence developed between them and they became great friends. They wrote to each other on a wide variety of subjects, from “how to grow almonds” to “whether there is a God.” When John Adams’ wife, Abigail, died (after 54 years of beautiful, creative marriage) Jefferson wrote a letter of consolation to his friend. In it he spoke of “Ascending to an ecstatic meeting with the friends we have loved and lost and whom we shall still love and never lose again.” He closed his letter writing, “God bless you and support you under your heavy affliction.” Adams wrote back, “I don’t know how to prove physically that we shall meet and know each other in the future…