[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4466-S4467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
A SPECIAL MOTHER--DOROTHY B. ENZI
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I want to take some time while we are in a
pause here to talk about something that all of us are aware of, and
that is Mother's Day, which is on Sunday, but I also want to talk a
little bit about a special mother, a lady from Sheridan, WY.
This lady was selected to be Mother of the Year in Wyoming a short
time ago. Just last week, she participated in the National Mother of
the Year event, American mothers event. She is a lady who has done all
of the things that people want to do.
She had a long and happy marriage, a career with her husband in a
small business, a leader in her church. She continues to be an elder of
the Sunday school, superintendent of a Presbyterian Church, first woman
president of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, a scout leader,
director of the National Miss Indian Pageant for 12 years, twice Worthy
Matron of Eastern Star. Currently, she is serving on the boards of the
Sheridan County Senior Center, Salvation Army, Lifelink and Camp Story.
She is a busy, busy lady. She also has two children.
Her name is Dorothy Enzi, and one of her children is Senator Mike
Enzi from Wyoming, my associate, who went, by the way, last weekend to
this national event.
I want to take a moment to recognize this lady for all that she does,
not only because she is my friend's mother and my friend as well, but
because this is the time to celebrate motherhood, a time to celebrate
families, a time to celebrate things that we think are so important.
I was struck by the homey sort of poem that was written by her
daughter, the other child of Dorothy Enzi. I am going to share it with
you.
A Woman Ahead of Her Time
(By Marilyn Koester)
Dorothy Enzi has always worked hard all her life
With a wholesome work ethic, whatever the strife.
A woman who was always ahead of her time
A 90's woman of each era--a role model of mine.
In the 40's a grocery store she did run
With her husband, yet still had time for her son.
Then I came along and she handled that too
This 90's woman of the 40's knew just what to do.
In the 50's she ran the Thermop Trailer Court
While Dad sold shoes on the road for his family's support.
Then to Sheridan they moved and worked side by side
At their very first shoe store--a real source of pride.
Mom always made time for Mike's and my needs
As Den Mother, Scout Leader, she did many deeds.
She always worked hard--often into the night
A 90's woman of the 50's she knew what was right.
In the 60's more shoe stores were opened elsewhere
And Mom worked just as hard as anyone there.
She was active in clubs and the Chamber as well
As their first woman President she served them quite swell.
Whatever the challenge, she took it in stride
But her family remained a great source of pride.
As we both entered college we knew what it took
The 90's woman of the 60's had written the book.
In the 70's Mom was still going strong
She and Dad worked hard and the hours were long.
But they took time to golf and oft headed south
When the winters up north got them down in the mouth.
Her kids were now grown and both married as well
Grandchildren now made her feel pretty swell.
She cuddled and coddled and to them she did tend
This 90's woman of the 70's came full circle again.
In the 80's the shoe stores were now changing hands
And Mom still was strong when alone she did stand.
Dad passed on to a place where Mom could not go
But she cherished the memories whene're she felt low.
She kept loving life and worked hard at all tasks
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And volunteered time to all groups that did ask.
Still active and busy, not once standing still
This 90's woman of the 80's thought life was a thrill.
Now the 90's have come, and Mom still shows us how
You can work hard, enjoy life and do it all now.
Life's never dull if you give it your best
And God's blessed us with a Mother above all the rest.
On this great occasion Mike and I say
Congrats Mom, we love you, let's make this your day.
Mother of the Year we salute you and say
You're a woman ahead of your time to this day.
So I rise to salute Dorothy Enzi, and all the mothers in this
country, and particularly the good bringing up that our good Senator
from Wyoming has had from his mother.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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