By Paula Sutton
Last year I witnessed a popular political figure up close and personal. Seeing a person in one particular environment, giving speeches, appearing confident and commanding, does not necessarily prepare you for touching, emotional yet ordinary family moments.
My friend and I went to a reception in Dunedin to present a letter of appreciation for a job well done. The ceremony took place before a baseball game at the local high school where the guest of honor was throwing out the opening pitch. Years ago, he had been on the star little league team who went to the World Series.
We waited in a small building on the grounds, along with about 15 other individuals. A local Cuban restaurant had catered the food which was awaiting consumption on the tables; it included a large, heavily frosted white Tres Leches cake.
When the man of the hour arrived, accompanied by his wife and two of their 3 children, Madison aged 4 and Mason aged 3, I was immediately struck by how wholesome and All American of a family they were. Madison was adorable in her sundress and yellow hair ribbon and Mason handsome in a button up shirt similar to his dad’s.
With ease, the family made their way around the room, shaking hands, smiling, and nodding. I was a bit worried about my upcoming mini speech and found myself focused on the children. One guest had given a slice of fluffy white cake to the little girl, Madison. Typically at that age, she became covered with frosting. Mom, Dad, and little brother were just a few feet away, listening to an elderly couple. Sweet Madison went up to her dad and bumped his leg to get his attention while raising her little frosting covered hands high above her head. Glancing down, he saw what she needed, and a tender smile spread across his handsome face. I watched with curiosity and fully expected him to pull in his wife to tend to the little girl. That is not what happened. He quickly grabbed a few napkins and thoroughly blotted her tiny hands. With fatherly love he tended to his little girl and continued greeting the remaining guests. When I finally got to shake the hand of Governor Ron DeSantis - it was a true honor. I am an enthusiastic supporter and will be voting for Governor Ron DeSantis in November.