Let me share this from the beginning: I met Matt and Mercedes Schlapp years ago when I was editor of a local newspaper in Culpeper, Virginia. I was covering a GOP event where they were the guest speakers. Keep in mind that this was well ahead of the 2016 presidential race, and there was no indication that President Donald Trump would be the Republican Party candidate. They spoke on other issues; all of the election stuff was a coming attraction.
As I listened and observed them, I was struck by their forthrightness, their faith, and their commitment to family. As I recall, either all or several of their five daughters had accompanied them. The couple were gracious and sincere, they moved easily in the crowd, and clearly their roles as “mom and dad” were their highest priority. Much has happened in the political arena since then.
