Thanksgiving has always been a time to gather with loved ones and reflect on the year past.
But last year families stayed home, unable to come together because of the pandemic. We went from rooms full of laughter and love, to Zoom Thanksgivings, making the best of a hard and painful year.
This year looks a little closer to what we’re used to. We’ll get to hug our loved ones and laugh around the table again. We will splash red chile on top of our mashed potatoes and gravy in true New Mexico fashion. In reflection, I realize that we can do this again because New Mexicans always step up to help their communities. When things get tough, we come together. This year, I’m grateful for how we’ve taken care of each other with masks, vaccinations, and empathy. I’m grateful to the communities I get to serve.
I’m thankful for their guidance as I navigate this great new honor entrusted upon me. My office has received thousands of letters and calls from New Mexicans that reach out to share their stories, needs, and opinions, so I can better serve them and their communities.
I’m grateful to the health workers, like David Elliot who organized care for multiple rural counties and was my guest to this year’s Presidential address. I’m grateful for Winnie, one of my youngest letter writers, who wrote to me earlier this year to ask me to protect our environment and our immigrants. I’m grateful for Annette Arellano, a pre-k teacher who shared her experience about what it’s been like to teach our youngest during a pandemic. My gratitude flows to our Native American communities, who made tough decisions to keep their elders and families safe. I’m grateful for all of the mayors, community leaders, educators, veterans, essential workers - everyone that makes our communities better.
The heart of New Mexico is found within its rich and diverse communities and I am forever grateful for having the privilege to represent you. Happy Thanksgiving!
