Your dad was a great guy who could talk to anybody without regard to their politics. He was not a hater. Important in his business. Or at least it used to be.
He and I would chat occasionally on some campaign press bus to somewhere back in the day. He would usually start the conversation. It was always amicable and often funny.
I loved your Dad. He was a lifelong friend from his Marietta college days until his last day. You possess many of his attributes. One of my great compliments in life is that he used me in his Marietta Hall of Honor speech as an example of how a Democrat and a Republican can live in lifelong respect. Such a quick wit and mind - again I loved that man, and like you, I am missing him. He was so proud of you. Thanks, Reed. - Ross Lenhart
Thank you for sharing your reflections, one year on, Reed. I laughed aloud at the rabbits wisdom too. Major respect to you and the memory of your father.
Your dad was inspiring. I miss reading "Mullings" and our occasional correspondence more than I can say. The many references to you were especially enjoyable. He was indeed a believer and I share his belief to this day.
I'm happy and proud to claim that your dad and I were best friends in high school. He was loyal. He was loving he was funny. I saw him many times over the years through thick and thin (literally and figuratively ha ha) he remained the same
Kid from high school. He was always Richie to me. He will always be a bright spot in my memory. I miss him also.
I never met your dad, but I occasionally sent him an email commenting on a Mullings column. He invariably wrote back, which always amazed me that he would take the time to do so. Dave, writing from near Harrisburg, PA, having the ear of a man who wrote great columns - some of which I remember well. The car wash. Opening Day. Puff the Magic Dragon. "I love you too" at Christmas. Arlington. I had always hoped to meet him when we traveled to the DC area. When I read of his need for a transplant and then his illness during Covid, I figured that would not happen because he needed to stay isolated. What was clear in his columns was that he loved fiercely the Mullings Director of Standards and Practices and his son and grandchildren, and this Country.
Then his column fell silent and I never knew why. For some reason, I googled him today and learned that he had passed almost 2 years ago.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
He will be missed as a voice of reason in what used to be the Republican party.
Really enjoyed reading this piece and I felt honored to serve in government and also to know your dad. I wish we had stayed in better touch after Iraq and in some ways I felt I did always reading Mullings, but I didn't know how much it changed him. I did know that he was super proud of you and loved it when the winds shifted and he became your father to the public instead of you being known as his son. I am proud of you too. Keep on Believing!
Thank you for sharing this, Reed. Not an any easy to share, I imagine, but quite cathartic I’m sure. Keep writing and sharing those personal stories. Sometimes it’s nice to escape the political madness of the world…
Your dad was a great guy who could talk to anybody without regard to their politics. He was not a hater. Important in his business. Or at least it used to be.
He and I would chat occasionally on some campaign press bus to somewhere back in the day. He would usually start the conversation. It was always amicable and often funny.
As was he.
Dean Reynolds, formerly of ABC and CBS.
Thank you, Dean!
I loved your Dad. He was a lifelong friend from his Marietta college days until his last day. You possess many of his attributes. One of my great compliments in life is that he used me in his Marietta Hall of Honor speech as an example of how a Democrat and a Republican can live in lifelong respect. Such a quick wit and mind - again I loved that man, and like you, I am missing him. He was so proud of you. Thanks, Reed. - Ross Lenhart
Thank you for sharing your reflections, one year on, Reed. I laughed aloud at the rabbits wisdom too. Major respect to you and the memory of your father.
It sounds like your dad was a great guy, Reed. He sure raised a good son.
Your dad was inspiring. I miss reading "Mullings" and our occasional correspondence more than I can say. The many references to you were especially enjoyable. He was indeed a believer and I share his belief to this day.
Thanks, Reed. This heartfelt remembrance touched me deeply. Beautiful memories live on. And yes, Reed, like your father, you are a Believer. ~Peace
This was so special. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul.
Thinking of you on your father’s Jahrzeit. Very moved by this tribute. ❤️
What an insightful and touching tribute. Thank you for sharing.
I'm happy and proud to claim that your dad and I were best friends in high school. He was loyal. He was loving he was funny. I saw him many times over the years through thick and thin (literally and figuratively ha ha) he remained the same
Kid from high school. He was always Richie to me. He will always be a bright spot in my memory. I miss him also.
Thank you, Marcia!
What a warm, heartwarming, beautiful commentary. Very much the same way I felt about my own dad. Thank you for writing that.
PS - I can't stop laughing to myself about the Rabbi's comment on being in shock... That was great :-)
You are continuing his torch. What a great honor that is for him !!
Hello, Reed,
I never met your dad, but I occasionally sent him an email commenting on a Mullings column. He invariably wrote back, which always amazed me that he would take the time to do so. Dave, writing from near Harrisburg, PA, having the ear of a man who wrote great columns - some of which I remember well. The car wash. Opening Day. Puff the Magic Dragon. "I love you too" at Christmas. Arlington. I had always hoped to meet him when we traveled to the DC area. When I read of his need for a transplant and then his illness during Covid, I figured that would not happen because he needed to stay isolated. What was clear in his columns was that he loved fiercely the Mullings Director of Standards and Practices and his son and grandchildren, and this Country.
Then his column fell silent and I never knew why. For some reason, I googled him today and learned that he had passed almost 2 years ago.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
He will be missed as a voice of reason in what used to be the Republican party.
Dave Getz
Writing from near Harrisburg, PA
Really enjoyed reading this piece and I felt honored to serve in government and also to know your dad. I wish we had stayed in better touch after Iraq and in some ways I felt I did always reading Mullings, but I didn't know how much it changed him. I did know that he was super proud of you and loved it when the winds shifted and he became your father to the public instead of you being known as his son. I am proud of you too. Keep on Believing!
Thank you for sharing this, Reed. Not an any easy to share, I imagine, but quite cathartic I’m sure. Keep writing and sharing those personal stories. Sometimes it’s nice to escape the political madness of the world…
Thanks Ben
Your dad was one of the first people I befriended in DC during he 1980s. He was a loyal pal and a good man. - Jack Pitney
Thanks, Jack