Over the years, they grew closer, professionally and personally. As a Senator, he was supportive of my dad’s work at the NAACP and was later instrumental in his nomination and confirmation to the federal bench. He and Mrs. Glenn were always embraced The Good Judge and Lil and our family. with love and warmth.
In 1998, when Senator Glenn returned to space on the space shuttle Discovery, the Glenns invited Daddy and Lil to Cape Canaveral to witness the launch along with numerous friends and family. Daddy said the lift-off was one of the most exhilarating – and ear-splitting – experiences of his life. He particularly savored every moment because, since only close family were invited to witness the return, he knew this would be the only time in his life we would witness space travel so close up and personal.
A few days before the Discovery’s return, Daddy was working in his chambers when a call came in from Annie Glenn. A little concerned, he picked up, hoping that nothing was wrong.
“Nate,” Mrs. Glenn said. “We’re all here in Florida and just heard you’re not coming here for John’s return.”
“No, Annie. I wasn’t planning to be there,” Daddy said. “I understood it was just for family.”
Mrs. Glenn paused for a few seconds …
“But Nate. You ARE family.”
And, of course, The Good Judge was there with Annie Glenn and the rest of the family to welcome John Glenn back to earth. And I’m sure he was there to welcome her when she rejoined her sweetheart and other family on the other side of paradise.
Godspeed and rest in peace, Mrs. Glenn.