I was inspired by Senator Bob Dole, coming to my small town
in Kansas
(yes, the Dorothy and Toto jokes remain the same.), campaigning for the state
House early in the 1960’s. Dressed in a
fine suit, having his attractive assistant handing out Dole pineapple, being
strong in stature and talking with people he knew not inspired me to check out
public service.
My best friend’s father had a framed hand signed letter from
President John F. Kennedy in his home office, thanking him for things he had
done. I spent considerable time looking
at that letter.
My Grandmother had a picture of President Eisenhower and his
wife above her telephone stand which included one of her bibles written in
German that came with her to America . She taught me how important it was to support
our country and pray for our leaders. It
didn’t matter to her his term in office was over. She still prayed for the Kansas President
every morning.
Being asked to campaign for the Democratic Presidential
candidate in the early 1970’s, folding flyers and door knocking, made me feel I
was part of an organization much larger than anything I had experienced before.
Time came when I was selected to attend Boy’s State. My Senator and high school counselor
encouraged me to run for Governor. That
surprised me, but in hindsight, is inspiring.
After a 32 year career in the computer industry, I became
disabled and lost my job. My money was
drained on expensive medications and soon later had to file for government
assistance, something I was paying in to since the age of 15, maxing out the
required taxing for many years.
After years of recovery, I was able to start giving
back. In my 50’s I joined the AmeriCorps
VISTA, volunteer in service to America ,
program. I was assigned as a field
organizer for NAMI, national alliance on mental illness. My position was going in to communities,
bringing people together to start a self-sustaining support group.
After contracts were completed, I continued to serve. I was an alumni of the Corporation of National
and Community Services. I worked 2
inaugurals and MLK days of service in Washington ,
DC
On the first trip, I worked making care packages for our
Military at RFK stadium. The second trip
was to be a greeter at the National Mall, giving directions and talking with
people from other countries.
I was on the Metro, headed to meet a friend in Silver Springs , MD.
Today, my eight month old granddaughter, Madison Hope
Conyers, wears her ‘Organizer in Training’ uniform I purchased from the OFA
store for Christmas.
Today, my health is failing.
I have no regret of the deeds I attempted to do, at the best of my
ability.
My granddaughter will be taking my place.
Thank you.
Randy Conyers
Randall (Mott) Conyers
No comments:
Post a Comment