molly.

A great woman died yesterday.

I met Molly Ivins not a few months ago in the plush waiting room of a cancer hospital in New York late one night, when a handful of us were keeping vigil for a very dear friend who was a patient there.

She was much taller than I imagined. And she smiled a lot.

I only had a moment to say something to her when I was introduced, and I admit I was a little nervous. I mean, this is Molly. Ivins. we're talking about.

"I'm such a BIG fan of yours."

And she replied, in her gentle Southern drawl, "Well, aren't you sweeet."

And then she moved deeper into the waiting room where she was enveloped by kisses and embraces from friends and loved ones who had been waiting for her.