[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING NADINE MILFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2000

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring to your 
attention a woman who exemplifies the courage and love of a mother, 
even under circumstances that no parent should ever have to face. 
Nadine Milford has become a symbol of motherhood in my District, and 
throughout the state of New Mexico. Today, I would like to join 
American Mothers, Inc. in honoring Nadine as Mother's day approaches.
  On Christmas Eve, 1992, Nadine's daughter, Melanie, and her three 
granddaughters, Kandyce, Kacee, and Erin, were hit and killed by a 
drunk driver in one of New Mexico's worst DWI accidents. Only Nadine's 
son-in-law, Paul Cravens, survived the wreck. This compelled her to 
dedicate her life to others. She has become a supporter and a comforter 
to the families of DWI victims, sometimes driving hundreds of miles to 
comfort a grieving mother.
  Nadine is powerful and courageous. She lives life with a commitment 
to herself and to others to make this world better, gaining strength 
and balance from her deep faith. She remains dedicated, even through 
the most trying times, and will take her massage as far as it will 
reach. Complimenting her dedication is her patience. Her son, Lance, 
has said of her, ``Mom's persistence has moved mountains one grain of 
sand at a time.''
  Mr. Speaker, we know that laws are difficult to change, and our 
legislative system works slowly. More so, it takes a desire to be 
involved, whether you're a legislator or a caring mother who has 
experienced the effects of a nationwide problem--DWI--on the most 
personal of levels. Since that fateful holiday night so many years ago, 
Nadine has become New Mexico's most active and visible DWI lobbyist and 
activist. And she has been a significant factor in historic DWI reform 
throughout the years in New Mexico.
  Nadine's personal philosophy has earned her respect from state 
legislators and friends alike: ``Persistence wears resistance.'' In a 
world of chaos and unjustifiable tragedies, Nadine found the courage to 
forgive and to help. Today we gather to honor her mind and her will to 
make change as well as her courage, her strength, her commitment, and 
her involvement in our community. She encompasses what it is to be a 
woman and a mother: She is reverent, strong, caring, and willing to 
fight for a better world.
  Mr. Speaker, I pray that no mother will ever have to face what Nadine 
Milford has faced. But for those who do, I pray that they will have the 
strength and character that Nadine Milford has.

                          ____________________