Franklin Delano Roosevelt, FDR, fifth cousin of Teddy Roosevelt,  32nd President, the only man ever elected to more than two Presidential terms, and perhaps one of the greatest American Presidents.

The man is remembered for the New Deal, Social Security, and winning WWII; all are indeed great accomplishments. However, perseverance remains his grandest achievement.

An up and coming young politician, FDR, like his cousin Teddy Roosevelt, led a vigorous, active life. In 1913 he became Assistant Secretary of the Navy, a position he held until 1920, and he was only thirty-one years old. During WW I he earned a reputation as a man who got things done. After the war, although only thirty-seven, he ran for Vice-President. He lost, yet his future prospects were bright.

Then, less than a year later, he was struck a blow that would have destroyed most men. The shock was sudden. A tired yet healthy FDR  crawled into bed on August 9, 1921. When he awoke next morning, he could no longer walk.

It was Polio, a terrifying children’s disease.  Not yet forty years old, FDR found himself paralyzed from the chest down. In 1921, there were no cures for Polio;  epidemics were as frequent as they were feared. The best science could offer was to treat the symptoms, and teach the afflicted how to cope with the paralysis. Today, the Polio Vaccine,  developed in the 1950’s, has nearly eliminated the scourge.

Many thought that FDR’s political career was over. Even his Mother urged him to retire. Roosevelt refused, strapping on painful iron braces he learned to stand, and to walk short distances, swinging his paralyzed legs between his crutches; even then, he required someone to steady him. Nevertheless, seven years later, Roosevelt became Governor of New York. Four years after that, he became President of the United States.

“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

– FDR

His doggedness found a kindred spirit in Winston Churchill and inspired a generation of Americans to overcome the Depression and to win a World War. Most of us will never face trials as severe as those FDR suffered, yet we can all learn from his example. In spite of life’s speed bumps, we can carry on, we can persevere.

“Franklin’s illness…gave him strength and courage he had not had before. He had to think out the fundamentals of living and learn the greatest of all lessons – infinite patience and never ending persistence.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

“It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something”

— FDR

– David L Dahl.

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{Photo from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum.

To the best of their knowledge, the image is in the public domain and can be used without further permission.}

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