Tony Snow Has Died

Good morning, fellow FReepers. Sorry, I have been largely absent from this touching tribute Thread to Tony Snow. It has been warming and supportive to read. There are many posts yet to read. Below is a brief, stream of consciousness about Tony's funeral which I was able to attend:

The last week blurs in my mind. We were already making preparations to drive to W.Va. for the funeral of my aunt who also died last week. When I learned of Tony's passing on Bahbah’s Thread early Saturday morning, I was stunned. My last meeting with him, was when Tony was here in Davidson, NC for his 30th class reunion in 2007. He talked openly and optimistically about his cancer to a gathering of the college and community. He was tanned and energetic and I thought he must be winning his battle with this awful disease.

Our e-mail correspondence continued right up until Tony took his turn for the worse. It was always upbeat and talking about his plans for the future. No hint of the real battle he was undergoing. The signs were there that Tony was struggling, but I either did not see them or wanted not to see them.

During my aunt's funeral, I kept envisioning Tony and what sadness must be enveloping his family. My aunt was 93 and death brought her peace. Tony was 53 and in his prime. Amazing Grace was played and I was lifted by the music but unable to contain my grief.

I had barely arrived home before I learned that Tony's funeral would be open to the public. [I should have expected that would be his wish.] So I flew up on Wednesday and went directly to the church. [The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.] I entered and said a prayer for Tony as I thought it possible I would not be able to “make the cut” on Thursday. As I left, there was an enormous flock of small birds roosting on one of the church's roofs. At one point they flew up and around the dome of the church, flying as if a single entity, and then returning to their position of watching [protecting?] the church. It made me think they were a metaphor for the prayers of the SnowFlakes and for all of Tony's friends unable to attend.

I did not sleep much at all Wednesday night so I went to the church early and was the first “regular” person there at something prior to 7am. There was another first person interviewed, but she went to line up while I went to meditate beside the church. While it would have been nice to have a FReeper SnowFlake first in line, it was just as well, as she was very articulate. Yours truly would just have bawled!

As we waited outside, a very large contingent of Fox personalities and staff arrived en masse. Their grief visible in their expressions and gait. The group I was with were a mix of neighbors and fans some from great distances. When we were allowed to enter the church, we went through a Secret Service security screen [because of the President's scheduled attendance]. Climbing the steps we encountered several servers. I spoke to one, Major Garret, to compliment him on his fine reporting of Ronald Reagan's funeral. But, I could barely get the words out. Major has always been one of my favorites at Fox. He has character as well as talent.

Inside, Brit Hume was greeting the arrivals on behalf of the family. I sidled around to the side as I did not want to start tearing up again! I sat in a section that was close to the front. [It was at this point still two hours prior to the funeral.] As fate would have it, I was soon joined by a military attache who was representing some political pooh-bah. I have been out of the service for a while, but I could tell from the enormous number of ribbons on his chest that this man had served his country long and well. Military guys have a natural bond, and from that point on I was able to deal with the ceremony with a little more decorum.

Our pew was also just behind the section set aside for the folks from Fox. For a Fox fan, it was like attending a family reunion. And diagonal to us was the section set aside for the journalists. Even in death there was a sense of the press versus Tony. Yet he truly liked the press.

Skipping ahead to the funeral mass. It was beautiful and filled with music. It was most appropriate to honor Tony. President Bush who arrived and departed quietly opened with the first tribute honoring Tony. It was well written and well delivered. Others would follow throughout the Mass including very touching ones delivered by Tony's brother Steven and a brief but oh so poignant one by son Robbi. Daughter Kendall sang a beautiful song, Promised Land, along with a chorus, just before Robbi spoke.

It is doubtful Tony had many regrets, for he had nearly done it all, and his faith was strong. But, one regret I am sure he felt was that he would not be around for his family, Jill and Kendal and Robbi and Kristi.

The music was soothing and resonant in the huge space of the Basilica. Amazing Grace was played during the communion procession and I doubt there was a dry eye anywhere.

After the Mass was ended and the procession had made its way to the entry, the multitude of attendees began to stream out; the soothing sounds of music echoing in our ears. Tony loved music, and may have chosen that path had journalism not grabbed his mind so completely. As I walked down the steps I found myself walking with Juan Williams. Trying to comfort, I said “You have lost a great debater as well as a friend.” Juan, still hurting, said “He was a great man.” Briefly and with passion, Juan said it best. He was a great man and his loss will be felt by all he touched.

When I worked my way to the front of the church, I was able to speak a few words to Tony's dad. The poor man was holding up well but was devastated. It certainly put my personal pain into perspective.

I would like to add at this point that some FReepers think that their loss might be a tad less than that of us privileged to know Tony. I think not. He was as great a loss to you as to everyone, save his family. If you read Tony, or heard Tony or saw Tony, you knew Tony as well as we did. For Tony was absolutely no different out of the spotlight than he was in it. He cherished all the people he met and hoped to meet. He had an especially soft spot for FReepers so I feel reasonably certain that he regrets not having a chance to say goodbye to all on FRee Republic. But, typically, he did not want to burden us with additional concerns.

Finally, I found Griff Jenkins who was giving final words of comfort to Jill and the kids who were already seated in the vehicle and ready to follow Tony to his final rest. That one moment was strikingly surreal. There I was standing before my friend Tony, knowing this would be the last time I would “see” my friend. And yet, I was experiencing gladness at finally meeting Griff who had become a good friend directly because of Tony. He kept my spirits up when things looked dark. Griff is pretty limited in his political contributions because of his current job, but he does read FRee Republic [and everything else for that matter]. My guess is he would not mind me thanking you on his behalf for all that you as a group and individually have done for Tony.

As a post script, Griff gave me a ride to the airport. That is a story in itself, but it is also a story for another day when my spirits are lighter.

This has turned into a tomb and is longer than I intended. There is a giant box of mail and days of chores that face me, so my commenting may be a bit limited until I get caught up. Thanks to those who missed me and wrote words of comfort.

So to my friend Tony, who words could never adequately describe...adieu. And to my friends here at FRee Republic, hello, I have returned.

God bless.

FOXFANVOX

* If anyone has the SnowFlake ping list handy, would you please ping this post of mine to them. Thank you.

Love you, Fox!

I don’t know how I could have missed this...but you did a
wonderful job describing going to Tony’s funeral.

I still can’t believe he’s gone forever. :(

Very touching article.

Even now it is hard to believe that Tony is really gone.

Totally agree with you about Major Garrett. He was outstanding at President Reagan's funeral - so eloquent. He is one of my favorites at FOX.

Love you back, Deffie. Not too many folks on this Thread once the other ones were started.

Hi Luv. This is the same as I posted on the other Thread. A labor of love so to speak, but it was a labor, because, like you, I still have a difficult time believing it.

(((Hugs)))

It was good to read it....and it brought a tear to my eye.
It is more personal when you know someone who was there.

The airwaves are painfully empty for us who loved the voice
that is stilled.

Thank you, C-spirit. As I mentioned to Luv above, I, too, am having trouble accepting Tony is no longer with us. He embodied vitality and enthusiasm. It is indeed like losing a member of the family.

Was just thinking of Tony (feel like I can call him Tony even though I've never met him) and thought about, WOOF!

Does anyone know what that means in its context? Thanks

Still missing you, Tony,
at this time to remember friends
and to gather together and share memories.
GOD REST YOUR SOUL, SNOWMAN!

WOOF was something that was said in the intro to his show
by one of his helpers (Surferboy, I believe.) What say you Foxy?

Oh dear, LUV W. The loss is still so difficult. Such a great and good person.

I suspect Tony would agree with this sentiment.

To my family and FRiends. Be thankful today.

I'm still close beside you, In a new special way.

I love you are dearly, now don't shed a tear.

Cause I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus this year.

It is hard...I still miss him. I know he is in a better place,
but he was such a joy here on earth!

Thank you, mware...that is a beautiful sentiment and does
sound like him!

I keep expecting him to answer one of us.

Tony Snow created a community of people through the sheer force of his personality. How amazing is that.

Others have tried, but he had love...and that makes all the difference!

It would have been so fun to have his take on the past election!

Thanks for the ping, Luv.

Prayers for the Snow family. The holiday season must be a rough one.

I know that they must feel the empty spot in their home and hearts! We do, and most of us never even really met the man!

Thanks for the *PING*

Tony and his family are always in my prayers. As is everyone in this group, who collectively love Tony and appreciated him for the angel on earth that he was.

It’s good to see you again.

Thanks for the prayers...I am sure we can all use them!

Hope you have a good holiday season...Merry Christmas!