Washington:
At 106, Virginia McLaurin has lived through 18 US presidents, but none like Barack Obama.
McLaurin, a black woman had waited all her life to see an African-American as President. So, when she finally got a chance to meet Obama and his wife Michelle at the White House, the bubbly centenarian could not contain her excitement.
Forgetting her age, she waved her cane in the air.
In a video posted by the White House last night, McLaurin opens her arms wide, greets Obama with an excited “Hi!” and begins swaying.
“It’s an honor, it’s an honor,” she tells the 54-year-old President. McLaurin was at the White House to celebrate Black History Month.
Obama, the first Black-American president, will demit office in January next year after two consecutive terms, is seen asking if McLaurin wants to meet the first lady.
As she rushes over, Obama, who appears amused, says, “Slow down now. Don’t go too quick.”
Michelle is in disbelief when her husband mentions McLaurin is 106. “I wanna be like you when I grow up,” Michelle tells her. “You can,” McLaurin replies to the 52-year-old First Lady.
In 2013, when she was honoured at the age of 104 for volunteering for 40 hours a week with students with severe mental and physical disabilities, she said she had just one wish to fulfill - to meet President Obama.
In 2014, McLaurin began a social media campaign to meet the Obamas.
She filmed a YouTube video in which she said, “I didn’t think I’d ever live to see a coloured president. I am so happy. I pray for you every day of my life.” The YouTube video was accompanied by a White House petition and a Facebook page.
At the White House, the Obamas and McLaurin held hands and playfully danced before posing for a photo.
“I thought I would never live to get in the White House,” McLaurin tells the Obamas. “And I tell you, I am so happy.”
McLaurin was born in South Carolina in 1909. In 1941, she moved to Washington.
The video has become a hit and McLaurin has become the newest Internet darling, CNN reported.
