The holiday season is always a great time to reset, recharge, and reflect on the year that is coming to an end. Many of us look forward to these weeks to reconnect with family and friends and celebrate the joyous season.
Thanksgiving is one of these events, and this holiday always comes at the perfect time of the year for all Americans – especially those who are in or around the political scene. We have experienced a particularly vicious cycle with national and world events, and non-stop campaigning to secure the White House and control of other governmental jurisdictions. I’m convinced that many of our problems originate or are exasperated by a lack of gratitude. So, with the election behind us, it’s time to stop and give thanks for all we have been given individually and in this country.
For me, I’m thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I’m grateful for the faith that has defined, sustained, and guided me through many tumultuous times in my life.
I’m thankful for my family, starting with my husband. He has been such a blessing to me, and I have enjoyed our life together. I’m grateful for my mom, who is still as vibrant as ever in her nineties. Her love and care made me into the person I am today, and I enjoy spending time with her. I’m also thankful for my children and grandchildren. Their futures are the reason I have committed much of my life to public service. I know I’m not alone in that endeavor.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve my community, state, and nation in public office. It’s not lost on me how few men and women in our nation’s history have had the privilege of serving in these government bodies – especially the U.S. Congress. Having this chance to influence legislation at both state and national levels, and to direct the future of our great country, will always be a high honor for me.
I’m thankful for the men, women, and children I serve in the North and West Valley of the Phoenix-Metro area. No matter what their political persuasions, occupations, or any other variations of demographics, these individuals care deeply about leaving a better place for their descendants. They work hard, and they love their communities. I’m continually in awe over these people and their tireless contributions to our state and nation.
I’m thankful for the men and women who serve as community first responders and members of the great United States military. These heroes put their lives on the line every day to defend our neighborhoods and our freedoms – both here in the country and abroad in different parts of the world. Their selflessness to the United States of America is commendable, and we live in peace and tranquility because of their efforts. I’m also grateful for their families, who serve in their own courageous ways alongside these patriots.
I’m thankful for the recent victories of Republicans all around the country in 2024, including President-elect Donald J. Trump. Over the past four years, we have seen our overseas allies under assault, the cost-of-living rise, our border overrun, our communities left unsecure, our military forced to retreat at least one country in humiliation, and the rule of law abandoned. I believe President Trump will restore American greatness with his vision for our nation and the policies he and his team will seek to enact for his second term in office. I am also grateful for many conservative wins across the United States in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state and local races, including my next role as Supervisor for one of the largest counties in the country! We now have an opportunity to unite the nation and to usher in a new era of American greatness at all levels of government.
I’m thankful for our American freedoms. There are problems in our nation that need to be corrected for sure. Yet, with all our issues, the United States of America is still the envy of the entire world. We still embody the centuries-old American Dream, that you can be whoever and whatever you create for yourself with inspiration, hard work, and good fortune. We still have our inalienable rights given to us by God – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And we still have protected freedoms, like the freedoms to worship, to speech and expression, to privacy, and to own and operate firearms. These birthrights of our American heritage are not to be taken for granted – I know I don’t.
So, this Thanksgiving, I hope we have an opportunity to consider what we are thankful for in our lives. No matter where we are, how much we may have, or who is around us, we always have something for which to express our gratitude. May we always take inventory of these reasons for thankfulness – not just in November – but every day of the year. I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving and joyous holiday season.
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