FRANK: Made things happen

A few years ago, I was sipping coffee in the “Hospitality Room” at St. Pius Church after Mass one Sunday morning. While chatting with my lovely wife, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder. I glanced over and found that the strong hand was attached to Frank Henderson. Frank and I greeted one another, and Frank initiated the conversation with, “Jim, why aren’t you in the state Legislature?”

“Frank,” I responded, “I am highly opinionated and very outspoken. I pi_ _ off a lot of people. I wouldn’t last a month in the Legislature.”

Again, I felt the hand on my shoulder, but this time, his fingers were digging into my flesh. “JIM, WHY AREN’T YOU IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE?” Long story short, I did run for the State Senate, thanks to Frank’s advice and encouragement.

But this is not about me; it is about Frank. He didn’t back off; he didn’t slide it to the back burner. Frank saw the opportunity to aid our community. Frank made it happen. We are all better off for having known Frank.

Thank you, Frank. Thank you just for being you!

JIM CONNELL

Major, USAF (Ret.)

Hayden