Sheila Jackson Lee always thanked her Houston collaborators

At the end of the summer, the congresswoman threw an impromptu reception for students and their families, and corporate sponsors received last-minute invitations. I was in the office that day and was recruited to attend. When I arrived, I tried to disappear to the back of the room, but she wouldn’t listen. She called me over and asked me to come to the front. I did and politely stood behind her, to her left. She reached back, grabbed me, pulled me forward, and proceeded to speak to the group for a half-hour, congratulating the students, their families, and the sponsors. She never let go of my hand. I still think little beads of sweat gathered on the floor beneath our clasped hands.

Then, without warning, she handed me the microphone so I could speak. I had nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. So I congratulated the students and families. I said we were proud to be part of the program. Then I was speechless. Thirty seconds seemed a bit short. Fortunately, I noticed a blank sheet of paper on the podium. I told the crowd that in front of me were the notes our host had been working on for the last half hour. So what? I held up the sheet, turned it from left to right, and showed them that it was blank. I explained that everything she had shared came from within. From her heart. The crowd was duly impressed, and the MP was beaming.

For the rest of my career, if we were in the same room, Ms. Lee would notice me and walk right up to me, surprising her agents and security detail, and give me a big hug. Then we would meet for a few minutes. This happened two or three times a year for the next twelve years. Say what you will about her political views, but Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was genuine. She was authentic.

Gene Fisseler, Houston

She has always been able to find funding for our summer programs, whether public or private. Her skills have made her a partner, supporter and major friend of the department.

I had the opportunity to work with her on many events in city parks and watch her work with the crowd. Once, at an event along the opening of a new bayou trail, she leaned over to me and told me I knew how to do this. I said, “No, Congresswoman, You I know how to do it!

As many have said, his calls came at all hours of the day and night. My visits to Washington, D.C., on behalf of the city and our National Parks organization, on parks and funding issues, were extraordinary. I quickly learned to be his last appointment, as his day quickly filled up with meetings.

She always showed up late and apologized for being late. I told her she was always my last appointment of the day, and I caught up on emails and chatted with her team while I waited. Most of these meetings weren’t in her Washington office, but in various rooms in the House and Capitol buildings.

For a few years after I retired, she would call me often to tell me about a problem or need she had. Her call always began with, “Director, you are the only one who knows how to solve this problem.” It made me feel good. She was a force, always at work.

Madam Deputy, enjoy your well-deserved rest.

Joe Turner, New Braunfels