ONE YEAR LATER: FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES REMEMBER EMERSON

A year ago Sunday, Southeast Missouri lost a longtime friend and political leader.

Congressman Bill Emerson's death left a political and personal void for many in the 8th Congressional District. His widow, Jo Ann, who took over his seat in Congress, and Lloyd Smith, his longtime chief of staff, reflected on Emerson's death.

Emerson, who was elected to eight terms, was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 1995. He had undergone radiation and chemotherapy treatments but lost his battle on June 22, 1996.

He died at Bethesda Naval Hospital the day after his and Jo Ann's 21st wedding anniversary.

Jo Ann Emerson said she will meet today with family members and friends to continue the traditional Emerson wedding anniversary.

"I will meet with family and friends to eat hardshell crabs and go bowling. That's what Bill and I would do on our anniversary and that's what I did last year while he was in the hospital," she said.

Jo Ann Emerson said it was a tough year for her family. She said Father's Day was hard for everyone. She and her daughters avoided Father's Day reminders.

"We would avoid Father's Day shows and Father's Day cards."

She said her work as a congresswoman has helped her deal with her grief.

"I feel like my life is more public now and I share my feelings with the public and all my friends. The campaign and the job has been a positive grieving experience," she said.

She recently wrote a tribute to her husband:

"Every time I'm on the House floor, when I look up at the Speaker's chair, I think of Bill sitting there, with his eyes twinkling, his glasses falling down his nose, his strong and resonant voice, and miss him deeply..."

She Emerson said she wants to grieve this weekend in a positive way.

"Remembering helps build strength and get past the grief part and move into the good memories part," she said.

Lloyd Smith, chief of staff to both Emersons in the Cape Girardeau office, said he has grieved for a friend this year.

"June 22, 1996, will always mean one thing to me: It's the day I lost my best friend," he said. "In this last year I appreciated what he meant to me. He was my mentor, my sounding board and my true friend."

Smith said he still feels Emerson's presence.

"Some days I feel he is still here because I learned so much from him," he said.

Jo Ann Emerson's offices have received numerous calls about the anniversary of the congressman's death.

"We have had many phone calls in the office, from staff members and folks, who are reflecting on what he meant to the district and to the individuals he touched," Smith said.