From the Arizona Capitol to our nation’s Capitol, Sen. Jeff Flake's career has always had one constant role model: Sen. John McCain.
“I don’t know politics without John McCain. He’s been there ever since I went to Washington as an intern in the 1980s,” said Flake.
The two represented Arizona together, but Flake said nobody can fill the void Arizona's maverick has left and he made sure his partner was honored on the Senate floor this week.
[SPECIAL SECTION: The life of Sen. John McCain]
“Farewell senator, farewell John. I yield the floor,” said Flake in the U.S. Senate.
Just days later, Flake was asked to read a poem during Wednesday's memorial service in the Arizona State Capitol.
[RELATED: Public viewing for Sen. John McCain follows emotional private service]
“Send the comforter that they might be reminded that joy cometh in the morning,” read Flake in front of McCain’s family during a private service.
He stood behind an American flag over McCain's casket.
[READ MORE: Sen. John McCain’s family cries over flag-draped casket]
Flake said it's been an emotional week that began last Friday when he saw McCain for the last time.
“It was near the end. It was difficult,” said Flake.
The senator said the list of things people can learn from McCain goes on, but as for himself, he learned that political opponents can be friends and the simple things in life mean the most.
[SLIDESHOW: Arizona pays tribute to Sen. John McCain]
“You don’t assume that politics is everything. There are more important things. When you saw John the last several months with his family at the ranch, that’s what’s important,” said Flake.
[RELATED: Sen. John McCain’s casket arrives at Arizona Capitol]
And it was at the ranch Flake said he would spend days listening to the sounds of the creek with McCain, as his health declined. But on Friday, Flake's last visit to the ranch was a tearful goodbye but with a heart full of gratitude.
[READ MORE: Arizona Sen. John McCain dead at 81]
“I was able to see him the day before he passed and be there with his family and what I said to him was thank you. Thank you for letting me be along for the ride. And to be with him,” said Flake.
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