I say "we" because the Glenns were a national treasure and for Ohioans, they hold an extra special place in our hearts.
In a beautiful tribute to her friend and mentor, Connie Schultz shared this memory and it's been with me all week.
People have all kinds of ideas of what it means to be a "political wife," a term Annie and I agreed was shorthand for invisible. Once, early in our friendship, I vented to her after a frustrating exchange with a political consultant. "They only see us as a prop or a problem," I told her, fighting tears. She squeezed my hand and leaned in. "Then be a problem."
Be a problem. Be a problem. We all know what she meant.
No one likes women who are too outspoken or too loud. Those who take up too much space, have too many opinions, too many ideas and too many thoughts. Women who make things "difficult" by asking too many questions and demanding too many answers.
Why do they have to be so difficult? Why can't they just be nice?
We know what Annie meant.
"Be a problem" she said. Connie must have loved her for that. I know I do.
Those who knew Annie Glenn say those who underestimated her (and many did) did so at their own peril, for she was fearless, tough and full of wicked wit. That she could match anyone. Connie's memory is delightful example of that wit and I'm grateful to her for sharing it with the rest of us.
Be a problem. This simple phrase (and the indomitable spirit behind it) has been added to my internal repertoire of truth — little mantras I say to myself whenever I need a reminder to live my truth in some form or another. I'll remember it the next time I get a not so subtle hint to "simmer down" or to "stop being so emotional."
I received an email this week that ended on this note:
To the women who are labeled... Aggressive: Keep being assertive. Bossy: Keep on leading. Difficult: Keep telling the truth. Too Much: Keep taking up space. Too Awkward: Keep asking hard questions.
