Author Archives: The Senator's Wife

About The Senator's Wife

I started this blog on a whim thinking it would be fun to write about politics while my husband served in the OK State Senate. The jury's still out on that, but having a front row seat on the sideline of Oklahoma politics has been one big adventure.

Here’s to the Men!

Thankful today for the incredible men in my life!

I thought about writing a little bit about each one, but really was at a loss for just how awesome these guys are and how much they mean to me. SO, I decided to jot down a few totally random words that came to mind!

My dad. Athlete. Academic. Compassionate. Doctor. Dedicated. Devoted. Insightful. Kind. Loving. Loyal. Teacher. Nature Lover. Bird Watcher….Yeah, Bird Watcher. I think we’ve been teasing him about the bird watching for twenty years now. Love this man and am thankful for him and my mother…his partner in crime!

My husband. Businessman. Father. Senator. Thoughtful. Fun. Funny. Sentimental. Calm, Cool & Collected. Compassionate. Loyal. Hardworking. Dedicated. Nostalgic. Historian. Yes, historian….if you count preserving pieces of history…our history…Oklahoma history… objects and artifacts…at our home. Someday, I am going to have to rent space for all of these collected (hoarded) items. I have written about his button collection before…but there is so, so much more to this man’s love of history….And, I love him so.

And, our son.

I won’t provide words to describe him here as I imagine there would be some form of repercussion from this 6’3″ seventeen year old. However, he has morphed into such a fine young man…which isn’t too surprising considering the examples he has been given.

Love you boys and am so thankful for all of the love and kindness you share with us on a daily basis!

My Lunch with Kathie Lee

A few weeks ago I was in New York for an American Mothers conference. (Great organization with a beautiful history…more about them soon). Anyway, Kathie Lee Gifford was receiving an award and was the featured speaker at lunch…a lunch I was presiding over in my role as president of the national organization…so I got to sit by her for a while and present her with the award. But man I’ve got to tell you, she was not at ALL what I thought she would be…I have watched her on t.v. on and off for years and in my own sheltered mind I had this image of her as being …well, I don’t know how to really describe what I thought she was…but that bubble has burst. This woman was absolutely beautiful inside and out…truly remarkable, strong and hysterical in a down to earth sort of way. And I will certainly cherish the the couple of hours I shared in her company for a long, long time.

Oklahoma Proud

Devastated. Stunned. Paralyzed by the horrific storm that blew through my great state yesterday afternoon.

I will never forget this day, May 20th, 2013.

I will never forget what I saw unfold.

I will never forget watching the massive tornado from the calm of my parent’s basement with both children and our dog by my side. Grateful to have shelter from the storm.

Thankful to be able to text back and forth with my Senator who was watching live from the Capitol. I am sure my mom felt the same, knowing my dad was safe at the major hospital where he works. Friends from far away who had the news on began to call, email and text.

This storm was different. It was quick to appear yet determined. It was destructive and deadly.

The Senator was closer to it than we were. Some of his colleagues had family and friends in its path. We did not. There are no words to describe how blessed we feel yet so, so heartsick for those who have suffered. It is as if the dark clouds are still hovering overhead.

Yet, so many Oklahomans are stepping up to help. That is the Oklahoma way. The Oklahoma standard. We are good neighbors and friends. Kindness and compassion for one another is abundant. The stories that will unfold from this tragedy will be nothing short of heroic and we are already hearing about them. Helping them….The teachers who saved children by laying on top of them as the tornado passed overhead, neighbors pulling each other from the wreckage or the abundance of good Samaritans being turned away so the first responders could respond… so many good Samaritans offering their boots on the ground and their skilled assistance having to be re-directed. Consequently, trucks of supplies are being loaded and reloaded and necessities delivered to those suffering and those displaced. These trucks will be full as long as needed. People are donating their dollars, supplies and prayers. Lots and lots of prayers.

Rest assured, Oklahomans will re-build. They are a strong people…a resilient people, a faithful people…a proud people. And, I feel oh so blessed to call Oklahoma home.