I just returned from Molly Ivins' memorial service here at First United Methodist Church in downtown Austin.
I never met Ms. Ivins, and I only saw her speak in public one time, at the Texas Book Festival in 2003.
But I've read her column for ever since I can remember, and I can't think of another journalist for whom I had more respect and admiration, save perhaps Maureen Dowd.
Molly Ivins spoke truth to power, yes. But she always did so with great humor and humility, and never with a mean streak.
Her sendoff today was painfully bittersweet...I'm not sure how else to describe it. But judging from what all the friends and family who knew her best said today, it was clear that how she wrote and how she lived were synonymous.
This line brought down the house: "Next time I warn y'all [the country] that you ought not elect a president from the Great State of Texas, maybe you'll listen to me."
I sure hope so, Molly. Goodbye and Godspeed...you will be missed beyond measure.
