We are at a very special time of the year - Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. While the past couple years have been very difficult times for many of us, I feel we all still have much for which to be thankful. We just need to look for the good things which have happened in our lives. I learned early in life to not dwell on my own hardships as there is always someone else who is worse off than me. I was taught to look for the good and see the positive in all of life's challenges. I believe we are all made special and unique, with individual strengths and talents.
I want to share with you one of the things for which I am very thankful, Shriner's Hospital and the individual Shriners. Most of you know that I have a deformed right arm. Probably not many of you know however, that Shriner's Hospital provided me with the medical care I needed for my arm for the first 16 years of my life. I had multiple surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy sessions and out patient treatment all at no cost to my family. The Shriners and Shriner's Hospital hold a very special place in my heart. I can never say enough times to them, thank you! That is why I hope you will join me Thanksgiving morning at Super One Foods parking lot for the Turkey Trot Run/Walk. All of the proceeds from this will go to Shriner's Hospital. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the race/walk beginning at 9 AM. Thanks to the Shriners, Kara, Henry and all committee members for organizing this. What a great opportunity to show your thankfulness by giving back to others.
Happy Thanksgiving and God bless us all.
Rep. John Ward
District 12A
DFL-Brainerd
