Cord Byrd: “As we head toward Christmas and the close of this session of Congress and this turbulent and tragic first year of the…”

“As we head toward Christmas and the close of this session of Congress and this turbulent and tragic first year of the new millennium, I want to pause to remember a young woman who passed away this summer. Gloria Margaret Gillespie was a friend of mine. Many Members of the Senate and staff will remember Gloria, for she worked in the Senate hair salon for 29 years. She cut my hair. Probably for the first time that my hair was ever cut at that salon she cut--28 years or 29 years ago. She worked there for 29 years. She loved her work, and she loved her friends and she loved life. Gloria had a cheerful, loyal, uplifting spirit. And her time on this Earth was far, far too brief. She was only 54 years of age when she passed away in Berea, KY, this past July--54. Five years ago, Gloria began a battle with cancer. She had smoking-related lung cancer. But instead of withdrawing, she used her illness as a forum to warn others about the dangers of smoking. Gloria did not win her battle with cancer, but to the end, even in the face of great pain, she remained a fighter and a friend to all--someone who loved the Senate and someone who loved life. Gloria Gillespie knew that each day is a gift. Each day is a gift. She cherished each waking moment. She found great joy in seeing people alive. From childhood, Gloria possessed a deep and abiding faith in God. That strong faith made her courageous and deeply appreciative of the sheer wonder of the world that God created.”