My parents reminded me about this from a few (OK...fifteen) years back. I grew up in Rep. Lewis's district and got to introduce him at an event.

One of the stories he told at this and told frequently at other events was about how, as a kid, he used to preach to the chickens at home.

What I took away from it was to always share his story, whether it was someone important or some dumb 18 year old. He was genuinely kind and generous to me in a way that he didn't have to be.

I think that's one of the reasons you see such an outpouring of support today. To see someone who spent so long fighting - he also never stopped sharing and giving.