As many of you know, my Mom, Fran, was a writer.  In addition to her professional accomplishments as a nurse, she was prolific with her typewriter.  She penned a monthly column for the local paper while having several pieces published in national magazines.  And she wrote FOUR books.  (one on her Mom, her father-in-law, her husband, and herself).    Finally, she sent countless letters to people far and wide.  At her funeral, last year, complete strangers told me how their lives were touched by letters sent by my Mom.  It was an incredible tribute.

Mom had a Thanksgiving tradition that she imposed on each of her eight children.  Prior to Thanksgiving Day, we were each required to send out three "Thank You" letters to individuals who had touched our lives in the previous year.  The letters typically went to teachers, coaches or friends and relatives. 

In tribute to my mother, this is my Republican Reporter "Thank You" note for the year:

My wife -  When I concocted the idea of attending the Democratic Convention as a reporter last spring, I first ran it by my wife, Audra.  Her enthusiasm and support for the idea was critical.  And, she is the standing editor for this blog.  She offers her candid critique.  And, when I have something controversial, I always run it by her.  She prevents me from looking too rabid, at times.    I am truly blessed to have her as the love of my life.  THANK YOU AUDRA!


Carl Walworth - Publisher of the Mattoon Journal Gazette, Carl Walworth is the sole reason I was able to attend the convention.  He never wavered in his enthusiasm for sending a "biased" reporter to cover the event.  And he took some pretty harsh criticism from his readers for the activity.  He is a true friend.  Papers would thrive, if they could all have publishers like Carl.  THANK YOU CARL!! 


    (John Perles, Carl Walworth, Bob & Dick Rhodes)

Larry & Linda Dreger - Linda and Larry opened their Denver area home and incredible hearts as they offered accommodation to our group of three.  They were warm hosts.  I can't thank them enough for welcoming complete strangers, while tolerating the rather obvious "Republican Reporter" vehicle parked in their driveway.  They are a wonderful couple.  THANK YOU LARRY & LINDA!!!


            (Linda & Larry Dreger, Bob and John Perles)

Donna Rhodes - This name may be unfamiliar to the readers.  But Donna is the spouse of Dick Rhodes.  And it was Donna's vehicle that was festooned with "Republican Reporter" logos for our trip westward.  Donna was such a great sport that she left the logo's on for two months after the convention.  We picked up assorted readers throughout the region because of her advertising efforts.  Thank you Donna!!


            Donna's Vehicle

Dick Rhodes and John Perles  - I cannot imagine attending the convention without the companionship of Dick and John.  When each heard about the trip, they immediately volunteered to join in the experience.  We had tremendous adventures - many of which I've recounted already - some that I cannot.  It was the trip of a lifetime, not because of the event, but because of them.  Thank you DICK AND JOHN!!!!

Readers - I sincerely appreciate the loyal readership to this blog and the kind comments that I receive, via email and in person.  I'm honored that my readership base ranges from eighth grade students to retirees.  And I even have liberal Democratic friends that check in each day.  I know that many days, they are reading my postings through gritted teeth. 
    So many of the readers have been the source for story ideas, while some even helped set up the critical interviews at the Democratic Convention.  Your input and support is deeply appreciated.  Thank you!!!


And finally, Thank you Mom!!


                      Fran Schultz