I've been watching and reading all of the tributes to Tony Snow yesterday and today. My heart was so heavy when I first heard that he was gone. Like everyone, I loved him.
Tony had everything: good looks, charm, wit, humor, intelligence, glamor, talent...yet while watching the tributes to Tony yesterday and then today on Fox News Sunday, it was clear that he possessed two other attributes that are rare today. He was loyal and optimistic.
Many questioned Tony's decision to leave a successful radio talk show to become President Bush's Press Secretary. For a short seventeen months he valiantly defended his Commander in Chief at the podium of the White House Press room, but always with that charming smile. He said that it was the favorite job he had ever had. The day that he left, he received a standing ovation from hundreds of people outside of the White House and along the street. I truly believe that if Tony had not been ill, that he might have been convinced to run for the GOP nomination for President, and probably would have won.
I always felt optimistic when I watched Tony on Fox News Sunday or heard him on his radio talk show. Of course he had differences with the GOP and even with President Bush but he never gave up on his Party. When asked why he was so fiercely loyal to the Republican Party, he would say, "I've got kids to worry about and I care about what kind of country that they will grow up in."
When it came to his own fight with cancer Tony was optimistic and realistic at the same time. On the day that he confirmed to the White House Press Corps that his cancer had returned, he said: "Not everybody will survive cancer but on the other hand you've got to realize you've got the gift of life, so make the most of it, and that is my view and I am going to make the most of my time with you. Now I'll take questions."
We all are left with questions when a beloved person has to leave us so soon.
May you rest in eternal glory, dearest Tony.
Sandra Lea Wise
May God be with his family