Heart broken...

This is my friend Polly, speaking at my son's memorial service. I remember every word she said. I love Polly, she is bright, articulate, tenacious, and a force to be reckoned with. Funny with a wicked sense of humor, I never come away from a conversation without learning something. She has been working for health care reform for the last 10 years or so without a break. She was the driving force behind 2 parent organizations, one at a state level that made a difference for the children with special needs in New Mexico and a national organization that made leaders out of parents who just need that push only Polly could give. One of those moms was just in the White House for the signing of the Health Care Reform. She has spoken to Congress, met with Presidents and never, ever given up. She has been married to John through thick and thin, raised 4 children, loves her grandchildren fiercely, served in the Peace Corp, wrote some of the best articles on every aspect of health care reform ever written (okay I am a little biased) and did all of this even though her child with special needs would always been taken care of. She sees the big picture in every situation and tries to help everyone else see all sides. Everyone who meets her is changed in some way. I always say that I want to be her when I grow up. She is the grown up in every single situation. Some of the best parties I ever went to were at her house. I learned how to be an adoptive mother from her. She has a style that is unmistakable and makes an impact every single day. She knew Mr Rogers and got to tell him how much I loved him before he died. That really meant a lot to me that she would take the time to do something so silly...but important! She always is the first person to call when something happens, the one to write the letters that make you feel so much better when a tragedy occurs and today, my friend, mentor and one of the best people I have ever known was killed in a tragic accident. It's too hard to say goodbye Polly...