A pair of memories

A few weeks ago, I blogged about the passing of a women well-known in the rather small circle of Lincoln's public officials and their staffs: Lois Neuman. Lois lived alone during her adult life in Lincoln, and had some idiosyncratic behaviors that were rather, shall we say, not the norm. Basically, she had no inhibitions at all about injecting herself into situations and conversations that most people would perceive as ill-timed, if not completely inappropriate.

If you think of Dustin Hoffman in Rainman, crossed with Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, you'll get a little insight into an interaction with Lois. Her conduct was both endearing and annoying, and while you might want to avoid her, you felt compelled to engage her--and often regretted doing so a half hour later. Lois was Lois. She died quietly and her passing almost escaped attention.

Tammy Ward, a long-time staffer of Governor and Senator Ben Nelson, however, was Lois's guardian  as the end of her life neared, and in an incredible act of generosity and love, organized a memorial tribute to Lois, held on Monday evening. I was one of about 100 people in attendance, in a room dotted with past and present public officials, public figures, and friends.

I had the opportunity along with several others to share some memories of Lois and her antics. Tammy did too, and produced a basket of some of her favorite momentos she discovered in