District Attorney Devon Anderson talks about personal struggles

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- She was thrust into one of the most powerful positions in Houston following the death of her then district attorney husband Mike Anderson. One year later, Devon Anderson opened up to speak about her personal struggles as a widow, singled mother and District Attorney.

In court, Anderson can be as fierce as they come. She's tried more than one thousand felony cases including eight capital murder trials. It takes a lot to break her.

"Do you miss him," we asked.

"Oh yeah, every day, every minute of every day, I miss him," said Anderson about her late husband.

In an ABC-13 exclusive interview, Anderson opened up about the hardest year of her life. Her husband Mike Anderson battled cancer just months after he won the race for District Attorney.

It was the hardest thing I've ever done," said Anderson. "Taking care of him and trying to keep the faith and take care of my kids."

And then, Anderson said her faith was tested once again. August 31, 2013 Mike Anderson died. She said it was her darkest day.

"He wanted me to seek the appointment," said Anderson.

Within days, Devon Anderson went from being a stay-at-home mother of two, two being appointed the new district attorney by Gov. Rick Perry.

"I had about four weeks, that doesn't sound like very much, to get everything in order and figure out about my kids. But I had to get a job too," said Anderson. "I think people were waiting to see - 'How strong is she? Is she going to start crying in the middle of a meeting or something? This is not the case."

Yet behind the scenes, in those private moments, there were tears. She was a grieving wife, wedding ring still on her finger, who had something to prove. She had to juggle two very different worlds: A demanding career and being a single mother.

"You've got to keep going. And being busy helps a lot," said Anderson.

"What would Mike say to you now," we asked.

"That I'm doing great. That is proud of me. He was my biggest fan. And it was mutual." said Anderson.

"What criticism would he give you," we asked.

"Toughen up," said Anderson.

Toughen up. As Anderson's campaign for election heats-up, she admits certain allegations have gotten under her skin.

Her opponent, Kim Ogg, claimed Anderson failed to criminally charge fired Houston police officer Ryan Chandler, Who's life is you during Anderson's office.

"When we were apprised of that he was being investigated, we immediately recused our office. That's what we do," said Anderson.

She took a break from politics on the one year anniversary of her husband's death. A day to remember Mike, by the beach, something the family did often.

"I think what we will probably do is talk about him. And exchange stories about him. They truly believe they're going to see him one day again. And that helps a lot," said Anderson.