A Mother Knows Best

On March 3, 2025 at 3:33 p.m. I squeezed my Mom's hand and cried. I prayed and told her we loved her.

My two sisters, my Aunt Barbara, my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and cousins surrounded her in the hospital bed and said goodbye to the Matriarch of the Allen family. She went to Heaven that day.

Prior to my Mom's car accident in Jersey, she came to Florida for the New Year.

She asked if I was going to run for office for the North Port City Commission.

She said, "Elaine, don't tell Pete, I said this because I don't want him to get upset with me, but you would make a better commissioner than him. You have been studying politics in North Port for 30-plus years. You and Vanessa (Carusone) read all of the commission agendas, the city budgets, the codes and you reported on all of those meetings.

"You talked to the whole family about issues in North Port. You were there as the city grew. You helped get the high school built. You fought for everything and for strangers. You volunteered every weekend. There was a time we couldn't go anywhere in this town without seeing people you knew or reported about for the paper. Didn't you go to Washington D.C. and Tallahassee with Vanessa?

"Didn't you bring your computer to write stories no matter where we went on vacation? We always had to wait on you to finish the news.

"Elaine, all you know is how to do that job. Why don't you do it?

"You wouldn't be running against Pete. I taught you to be a strong, independent thinker who does her homework until 2 a.m. and knows how to ask tough questions and investigate. I know you don't always agree with Pete's votes. You always call me when you are frustrated with one of his votes. I'm sure he hears it from you. But, who agrees with their husband all of the time anyhow, no one I know."

We both laughed.

Then she said, "I think you might have to quit your job. I know you love it. But, you should not be afraid to enter into a new chapter of your life. I know Pete will support you and I am your biggest fan," she said.

"I will stand on the corner with a bright, purple shirt and a sign that says, 'Vote for my daughter, the one I should have named Joy.'"

We both laughed again.

While my Mom didn't get to hear me announce my candidacy for City Commission District Seat 4, I know she's watching over me as I do it today.

I miss you everyday Mom. I love you. I will work hard for all people in North Port. I will make you proud.