Arizona Republic from Phoenix, Arizona • A22

22 Z3 MIDWEEK, 09.12.18 AZCENTRAL.COM As I watched the rain on his casket, soldiers walking him into the Capitol, Cindy, leaning her head on her Navy son, I worried about his loss to our coun- ty. I listened to eulogies from Presidents Bush and Obama, and Joe Biden, who said what I was thinking: love John But I recalled a time when I Years ago, at one of those uniquely American political events, an entourage surrounded favorite son. He had lost the Republican nomination for president, but his step was lively and his journey was not close to done. John and I fought over issues that long ago lost their importance. Standing at that event, I was pushed aside and, as he passed, we shared a steely glance.

Then something happened. He stopped his people and walked back to me. He said; Johnson, I treated you horribly. I often see people I with like my captors trying to si- lence me. I have grown up since He extended his hand and said, sor- I stood dumbfounded as a friend said, did not just A man on the cusp of greatness, reaching out his hand to a Democrat who had been just as guilty of unkind things.

It was a handshake that changed me. The handshake opened my heart to see his many gifts. John McCain fought with with pas- sion, often with special interests. And not just the special interests of the other party, but often his own. John listened to a higher calling: the distant voices of our founders, who knew that for a republic to work, we need to common ground.

He drove partisans crazy. Although an independent, I was never, on my best day, more indepen- dent than John McCain was as a Repub- lican. John McCain was a Hemingway hero who put his country before his own life. We watched John with the presi- dent for his treatment of our allies and sometimes of our own citizens. We watched him on the international stage say that the was not the opinion of the majority of Americans.

His words had the power of Heming- line, are many who do not know they are fascists but will it out when the time We worry, with his passing, whether other men in positions of power will as forcefully defend the ancient code that is key to self-governance. I was there when he announced for president. And I was there at the end when he told us to celebrate the election he just lost. He said we could be proud that a black American had become president. He was reaching out his hand.

He played a bigger role in my life than I in his. My niece interned for him. My son was endorsed by him. And after we were stopped on initiatives for greater involvement of independents and elim- inating dark money, John said, son, when you lose, get your ass and do it Mostly, I love the McCain who saw his own mistakes and apologized. The McCain who forgave his enemies.

With his Irish smile and keen wit, he would a way to extend his hand. Many friends are puzzled by how we become friends. I remember that day clearly. What stood out to me was that he stood almost a foot shorter than me, but he was so much larger. In fact, he is a gi- ant of men.

I have learned from him to let go of the past, to think of the future, and to focus on the cause. To love the man who was a hero. Paul Johnson is a former mayor of Phoenix. McCain showed strength in convictions, gallantry Your Turn Paul Johnson Guest columnist Call (602) 648-5338 to Schedule a Tour Today! Experience Resort Living at Park Terrace Independent Assisted Living 1 Bedroom Rental Apartments Where everything is except the price LIMITED ONE MONTH FREE RENT GUARANTEED NO RENT INCREASE YEAR 2. Independent Living Assisted Living (plus cost of care).