Happy Holy Days!

This year, several have asked what has surprised me the most as I have campaigned. The most striking surprises have been two.

First, just how much I've enjoyed the campaigning. (What's not to enjoy when seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and talking about issues you're passionate about?) And secondly, how long your prayer list grows when you're better in touch with old friends and meeting folks, so many of whom are hurting or have loved ones who hurt.

Many of us are blessed to gather together tonight and this weekend to find warmth at the hearths of our homes and in the hearts of our loved ones.

But it is also a season for remembering family and friends we've lost, neighbors who are sick or struggling, and the brave men and women fighting far away to keep us safe here at home.

May all these be in our thoughts and prayers. And may they be blessed by God's grace and the compassion of neighbors.

Nancy, Rick, John, Ben, and I send our warmest wishes for a Merry Christ's Mass, a happy Holy Day season, and a hopeful and blessed New Year for you and yours.

Your friend,