Just Heartbreaking.
Posted on 12/19/2016 4:07:59 AM PST by Resettozero
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for that's what is eternal." - Corinthians 4:17-18
With a heavy heart, my dear friends and I share sad news.
Two of our most loyal members of the SarahPAC team passed away within just weeks of each other. This hits our small, tight-knit organization very hard, but is nothing like the hit to our hearts.
Last month's passing of Carol Ryan and yesterday's passing of Doug McMarlin have stunned us. Carol and Doug were so much more than co-workers; they've been the most loyal and genuine of friends.
Carol and Doug were instrumental in keeping SarahPAC so effective all these years, working tirelessly in the rough and tumble political world to make sure YOU had a voice through the megaphone I've been lucky enough to carry. Beyond their professional roles that helped change American politics though, were their personal attributes impacting loved ones' lives in such positive ways.
Doug McMarlin was one of the most talented strategic communicators on the national scene. His signature touch was a brilliant use of humor and clever sarcasm that alleviated many of the tense, stressful situations we've encountered. Someday we'd love to share some of the more unbelievable ones and how Doug helped get us through them with grins on our faces!
Doug started with our team on the '08 Vice Presidential trail, quickly becoming my and my family's true friend. Before that, he proved his incredible dedication to public service as a veteran of both Bush 41 & 43 White House teams, and had served in the Ohio Governor's cabinet. Doug was the resident expert on all-things Buckeye.
Working all hours, everyday, across all these time zones in which our crew operates, Doug kept us informed so we wouldn't miss a beat... and in fact let us beat the rapid news cycle.
We'll miss Doug tremendously; his laugh, his ability to make everyone else laugh, his love and protection of our children - those gifts can not be replaced.
Carol Ryan was another selfless, genuine friend, something not often found in today's political environment. The key to Carol's value and positivity was that she wasn't political, she was just "good people!"
Carol helped me with the mail all these years. Sounds simple but it's been one of the toughest jobs, requiring her masterful touch as she and my parents kept up answering it all. Their passion has been making sure every one of you knew your communications with us has been invaluable.
Carol's passion was her family and the musical talent they shared in local churches, but she also loved gardening, sewing gorgeous wardrobes, gourmet cooking - and even taught my kids her envied truffle secrets so they could carry on her Christmas gift-giving tradition.
Carol's been a personal family friend I've known since childhood here in Alaska. You who wrote or visited us here undoubtedly sensed the Last Frontier's beautiful spirit emanating through Carol's interactions with you.
Anyone on the national political stage will tell you SarahPAC was different. Our team of volunteers and very few paid staffers ran what is arguably the most unconventional but relevant PACs in the country. We didn't do fundraisers, didn't engage in political cronyism, didn't capitalize on PAC influence for anyone's employment or hob-nobbing opportunities, and did not profit from the PAC. We "went rogue" to prove an aspect of politics could be clean and upright - and Doug and Carol helped make it that way.
Forthcoming changes at SarahPAC will close a chapter for all of us professionally, which is manageable. It's the new chapter in our book of life that won't include our two friends that will be the challenge. We take comfort knowing Doug and Carol were both close to the Lord so we'll see them again in our Heavenly Father's arms.
Love,
Sarah Palin, on behalf of a grateful family and team
Love this lady like my dear sister.
Courtesy ping from your old buddy R2z.
Wait, is she going to shut down SarahPAC??
I really am sad, disappointed, pissed that Pres Trump snubbed Sarah for a cabinet post (Interior, Energy, EPA, ...).
We would have seen liberal heads exploding everywhere for the next four years, at least.
Besides, Sarah was extremely loyal to Trump, saving his a$$ in Iowa and bringing him through in Michigan.
Shame on you Mr. Trump!
Perhaps there’s more to that story than you yet know.
Well, one can hope!
I think FR is home for most of America’s PDSers. That it became this way demonstrates the historical importance of FR and political importance of Sarah Palin.
Here is a posting on Carol Ryan passing from cancer last month:
http://us4palin.com/palin-friend-sarahpac-employee-dies-of-cancer/
She was 72, but Doug Marlin was fair bit younger. I believe he went back to being an advance man for W.
That’s what it sounds like to me—as well as a presumed fuller exit from politics.
Well, I await enlightenment.
I don’t know, but I think it could be that Sara has too many family obligations in Alaska to be able to leave.
Loyalty doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the best qualified to accomplish the goals Trump has plan. That is what “draining the swamp” is all about. I like to see Palin with a position in the administration but, quite frankly, the people Trump has been picking for the positions you mentioned are stellar choices. There still are a number of excellent positions-say Ambassador to Russia. :O)
Just Heartbreaking.
Prayers for the families and friends and of course Sarah.
Speaking of Sarah Palin, have we heard anything about Todd lately? How have things gone since his accident?
Speaking of Sarah Palin, have we heard anything about Todd lately? How have things gone since his accident?
I saw a pic of Todd and Sarah posted, from a recent Seahawks game...and, they both looked GREAT!!
Reread the last paragraph — She talks about closing a chapter and opening a new one without these two people.
I suspect that Sarah is content with her life and family in Alaska and sees no benefit to once again leaping into the frenzy of politics. Hunting, fishing and grandchildren. What more could she want, especially with Trump at the controls?
Talk about the greatest troll ever. And I believe she could do the job.
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