Dear John,

 

The holidays seemed to come upon us swiftly during this difficult year. Some of you may have already celebrated the eight days of Hanukkah and some may celebrate in the days ahead during Christmas or Kwanza, while others may simply pass the days quietly contemplating all that you have been through. Whatever your personal beliefs and experiences, the holidays are a chance to stop our busy routines and spend a few moments with those we love and to let them know how much they matter to us. If you feel alone, I hope you will be able to contact your loved ones via phone, or a computer, or perhaps through an old-fashioned letter or card in the mail. The best way to break any loneliness is to reach out and offer someone else the gift of your presence, even if it’s just a brief conversation, a smile, and some gentle good wishes.

For this holiday, I am particularly grateful for my wife Stephanie, my son Omar, my staff, my friends, and the wider community of Providence. I am glad that I will be able to sit down to share a delicious meal with my household safely. These are treasured moments.

 

I’m also thinking of all those who are using our food banks, living in shelters, or stretching a limited budget. It’s been a tough year for everyone, but especially for those who have suffered misfortunes. I trust that the people of Providence will be generous to those with less this holiday season.

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for all you do for your family, friends, and the community all year long. If you have lost dearly loved people in your lives, I hope the holidays bring you some healing and treasured memories of the good times you shared in the past. And for all of my supporters, please accept my sincere wishes for the holidays filled with peace, joy, and love. I am, as always, humbled by your support.

Jorge