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Going to the Senate was as good as it gets!
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We arrived without much trouble as Heinz was maneuvering us all through the
red tape & closed off streets. We found our way into the old Library
building (except my brother coming up from Portland was sent back to
Tumwater to their library:-() We were greeted at the door by a little man in the know & he called our pal
Tim who is the Senators right hand man. We gathered round a huge table in
the Senators cafeteria & began the wait - not too long I can pleasantly say.
When Tim arrived he said the opening of the Senate had been postponed until
1:30 (good thing since Jerry still had not arrived). Tim then took me onto
the Senate floor to show me where we would sit, but really he wanted me to
see that Senator Kastama had brought in one of Dad's large paintings which
they had put up in front by the Lt. Governor. What a feeling I had as I saw
my Dad hanging in the Senate:-)
Soon Senator Kastama arrived to meet everyone along with a string of other
Senators - all greeting us & of course wishing Fred many many Happy returns!
Now we had been told we could have from 2-7 people in the Senate room & the
rest would be taken to a hearing room with a closed circuit TV. However,
Senator Kastama wouldn't hear of it & insisted all 16 of us could sit
inside - so inside we went. I guess we replaced a few young aides & the
press:-) They also let Dad wear his hat inside & we gathered in the front
for many photos.
Fred removed his hat, the gavel sounded & the Senate was under way. They
took care of a few points of business & then it was our turn. The Lt. Gov.
announced there was a resolution on the floor declaring it Fred Oldfield
Day. They escorted Fred up to sit next to the Lt. Gov. and Senator Kastama
rose & spoke about Fred (wonderful stuff), then Senator Rasmussen spoke of
Fred's long involvement with Eatonville, then other Senators rose just to
make comments & wish Fred a Happy Birthday. One elderly Senator rose to
wish Fred a H.B. because he was sure he was the only other person to know
where Alfalfa was located (where Dad was born). The final Senator to speak
was Senator Eide & she was great!! She told them all they could wish Fred a
HB & that they could talk about him all they wanted, but the truth he was
hers!!!! Her contingency is Federal Way:-) She also made Fred put his hat
back on - she loves her cowboy! After all the discussion the Resolution was
read, they all voted to accept it, the gavel sounded, Fred spoke,and the
entire Senate rose & gave Daddy a standing ovation!!!!! Awesome stuff!
We filed out along with many Senators for more good wishes & a lot of photos
in front of the capitol.
Off to lunch & home for a quick turn around & then to Federal Way City Hall.
It was nice but so anticlimactic after the capitol. The best part of the
night was getting together with the gang for dinner & sharing stories about
the day.
Dad was so honored & so proud to be acknowledged this way. When he spoke in
the Senate it was short & to the point & brought the house down.
He said he was indeed honored to be there & he figured he was there for a
couple of reasons - because he'd reached 85 & because of his work in the
community. He said "Folks think of all I've done as a donation, but in fact
it was an investment, an investment mostly in our youth, but a true
investment in the community. I must say it has been an investment that has
paid off with huge dividends and it's been a hell (yes he said hell in the
Senate) of lot better to me than the stock market!" They burst into
laughter and rose to their feet!!!
A day and a week that none of us will soon forget!!!
Bye for now - I'm officially off my feet today, as I broke my toe yesterday
morning. Not even any time for sympathy:-) Have a wonderful sunshine
filled day!
xoxoxooxoxox Joella
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