Leslyn Negron @LeslynNegron - Twitter Profile

The first time I met Lindsey Graham, I was 11 years old in a hotel lobby and he had just attended a political event with my Dad. He sat down next to me and told me that he loved my Dad. I remember liking his deep southern accent and smile and immediately felt comfortable around him - he somehow seemed younger, hipper and more interesting than most of the political figures that rotated around my Dads orbit. From the time he met my Dad they were fast friends and political comrades. In fact there are few memories I have of my Dad's political career and my life accompanying it that don't somehow involve Lindsey. He and Senator Joe Lieberman spent decades of their lives traveling together, fighting for the same causes on the Senate floor, spending holidays together and fighting for their version of the American dream. Those who followed them know they affectionately referred to each other as "The Three Amigos". My Dad was the soul of the group, Joe was the heart of the group and Lindsey was the fire and humor. Their combination bonded them as friends throughout their lives. That friendship is something that is so rare in politics, it is nearly extinct but I got to witness it first hand. They spent their lives united as friends and allies. They were brothers. The memories I will hold dear of Lindsey is that was always the person you hoped you sat next to at a dinner party. Charming, very, very, very funny - like so funny he truly could have had a career in stand up comedy. He had an acerbic quick wit and he could win over even his deepest distractors. He was always full of stories that were always engaging and entertaining. He was literally never, ever boring. At his best he was filled with light and was always the last person to leave any table for work or fun. In fact, I used to joke with my Dad that I couldn't go out to dinner with him and my Dad as an adult unless I didn't have work the next day because they would always stay so long at the table and shut down the restaurant. Lindsey and my dad were also both Hams and would take every selfie, talk to every waiter and person in the place. Life around them was a big and alive in every possible way humans can be. Lindsey brought humor and loyalty to my Dad's political defeats and was a constant source of support for my mother after my Dad's passing. As a politician his skills were unmatched which is why he won so many elections and was well on his way to winning another. When he spoke to voters he was direct, straight and felt their pain. He also loved people. He wasn’t one of those politicians who had to fake it, he loved being in elected office and serving our country. The news of his sudden passing is shocking and deeply saddening for me and my family. Like many relationships in life, mine with Lindsey was complex in later years. I choose to remember the endless laughter and joy he brought to my family so many times, in so many ways. These memories are some of the most precious of my life. I hope that he is at peace and I hope he is in heaven drinking a white russian and fishing with my Dad and Joe. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." — Philippians 1:21