[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF MARGARET S. BROTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember my dear friend, 
Margaret Brothers.
  Margaret was a loving wife to David, mother to Jessica and Gray, and 
servant of God, but to me she was first and foremost a trusted and 
loving friend. If I can convey but one overriding memory of Margaret, 
it is that she was always there for my wife Shirley and myself and for 
our family from the earliest days onward. As I embarked on my career in 
law, she was by my side. As I began my career in public service, she 
continued to serve in my law office and made the transition to my 
congressional office after my special election in 2001. During my legal 
career and in each of my campaigns, Margaret was always near, 
encouraging me and strengthening me with her God given abilities to 
comfort and guide.
  Although her time with us was all too brief, I have a great sense of 
comfort knowing that she directly changed the lives of all she touched 
for the better both in and out of the office. Always the servant, 
Margaret worked tirelessly for the citizens of the 4th Congressional 
District of Virginia. Even when her own strength was diminishing and 
her own personal needs were increasing, Margaret fought to overcome her 
physical obstacles to be with her coworkers and to concentrate on 
serving others in need.
  I will always remember her graceful presence, calm manner, warm 
smile, and joyful laugh, the qualities that enabled her to touch so 
many. Her witness to others has unquestionably impacted countless 
people who were fortunate enough to know her. Margaret's faith was a 
beacon of light shining out of the darkness to those in need searching 
to find their way. Her ability to touch the souls of others and show 
them the light was her calling and I thank God that she was a part of 
my life. While Margaret's loss to our office family and to me 
personally will be considerable, her never faltering faith and 
commitment to her Lord and Savior will continue to inspire all who knew 
her and serve as an inspiration and example to the next generation who 
must pick up her mission and carry it forward.

                          ____________________