One of my good friends, Larry Dillard, just died this week. He was only 59. I met Larry when I was a 2002-2003 APSA fellow in Rep. Robert C. Bobby Scott's office, and Larry was the scheduler and press secretary. I credit Larry as the first person who had me thinking that government public relations wasn't the "dark side," as we're led to believe in journalism. I had left the Afro when I met Larry and he gave me a lot of opporunities.
Generally, for Mr. Scott, I wrote speeches, and did research on the legislative topics he did such as the budget and the judiciary. My largest project was working on the Iraq war, showing it was the wrong war at the wrong time. But Larry showed me how to write the press release, and he allowed me to craft quite a few. He had me tag along to a couple of press events with him. He was the quintessential spokesman. This weekend, I'm heading to Newport News, Va., to say good bye to an old friend. My fellow Gemini. I'm riding with some other buddies. I think it's easier to share the time with others.
Just this past March would be the last time I would see him. I had a monthly dermatologist appointment, and after I left, I headed to CVS. Who should I see but Larry hanging out by the prescription counter. We sat on the chairs and talked old times for a little under an hour. It's like we had nothing else to do. We were both relaxed and chilled and just talked old times, what's next, retirement, my son heading to college, and everything in between. That brother was full of info, life, and everything else. Since I left Scott's office, whenever Larry saw me, he would stop, say, hey, how's your husband? How're the kids? That's Larry. Thanks, Larry. God's speed and blessings on you. A true friend.
That's the hardest part of getting older. As I continue on the journey, more and more people I know seem to die along the way.
About Me
- MPEvans
- Washington, DC, United States
- I'm a naturalized Caribbean immigrant in the grand old U.S.A. I live in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Ward 7 and I'm a forever-journalist. I started my first career as a magazine editor and I haven't been able to give it up. When I started this blog, I was knee-deep into my fourth career as a government public relations specialist. However, I have been heading up my editorial staffing company, Invisible Colours LLC out of my Ward 7 neighborhood. I'm expanding my company's brand by offering video production and other social media technologies for clients. This blog follows my journey as a 40-something-year old in Washington, D.C. Married for several years, I have three kids--a boy and two girls. I am blessed, and I'm loving all that God has given me. I have a master's in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor's of arts from the University of the West Indies. I hope I can offer a little insight into my life and my experiences. Writing serves as a catharsis for me. It is what I do best. It is what I love. It is who I am.
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