John -

Barack Obama once said that nurses are the heartbeat of our health care system. That has never been more true than it is on this #NationalNursesDay, as nurses leave their own families and head into work in order to keep the rest of us safe during this pandemic.

Nurses don't just deliver critical, life-saving care. So often, they also provide comfort to patients and their loved ones during even the most challenging times.

In March, I asked you all to share a few kind words of encouragement and thanks with the health care workers we are depending on more than ever, and your responses were overwhelming! In just over 24 hours, Delawareans from all over our state shared hundreds of thoughtful, heartwarming messages for people who they do not know, but so appreciate.

Here is just one of those messages that seems especially important today:

I have posted the rest on my Twitter account. I would encourage you to read them and share them far and wide so that we make sure our health care workers know how much we appreciate them.

And can I ask you a favor? On #NationalNursesDay, can you forward this message to at least one person you know who works in our health care system and who might need some words of encouragement during this tough time?

I will keep working with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure our nurses -- and all health care workers -- have the critical protective equipment they need to stay safe as they keep working to save lives.

Keep up the good work,

Tom