Thankful this Christmas
With Christmas approaching, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect over the last year. It has been a whirlwind time for my family during this first year in the Senate. We have been blessed to enjoy the support of so many friends and family members during this change in our life. We could not do it without you.
It has been a fun and educational experience serving the people of District 14. I had the opportunity to represent many of you while I was in the House of Representative, but I have added a lot more people to my district since my move to the Senate. It takes a little longer to get around and see everyone, but the visits have been great. Whether it was the Alabaster Christmas Parade, the Chilton County Peach Festival or the visit with Mr. Jim Lott, the caretaker for the historic Centreville Cemetery, I have truly been amazed at the experiences I have had. There are so many great people and hidden treasures in our community. I am thankful that I have had a chance to visit with them over the last year and look forward to seeing more of you in the New Year.
This year, Riley turned nine and I turned 40. Julie is still as young as ever. I have a few more gray hairs than I once had, but every one of them are worth it! I know I speak for my entire family in saying that even on the longest of work days it has been a wonderful 2011.
The next legislative session will begin in February. We will have debates again on the lingering budget crisis, and I am sure I will make mistakes along the way. It is a process where perfection does not exist but only the hope that good intentions prevail. There will be plenty of time for talk of politics after the New Year; but in the meantime, I hope that you and your family are able to sit back and enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Wards!
