John,

I know I talk a lot about my Mom, but bear with me one more time.
 

This is Louise this past Mother's Day. When she was born in 1925 in New York City, the country (in fact, the world) had recently experienced a pandemic. And polio was a big worry!

But all my life, Mom (mother of eight and a practicing social worker until age 80) seemed impervious to and pretty unconcerned about serious illness. Our parents' instructions to us when we got sick were: go to bed, gargle with hot water, salt and baking soda, and take an aspirin. Grandma Vera's "Russian Tea" was always helpful, too. (A cup of very hot water, a teaspoon each of honey, lemon juice and raspberry jam.)

But then, when Mom contracted COVID this past year, we were pretty sure this would be the end. The family emails became fast and furious, with a particular focus on trying to keep her home and out of the hospital. Amazingly, it worked! She recovered quickly, never really getting very sick.

Mom was one of the lucky ones. And I will soon hop a plane to Chicago to be with her for her 96th birthday on July 28, seeing her in-person for the first time in 18 months.

Another milestone — Yesterday, Oregon reopened! I attended the Governor's unmasked, undistanced reopening "Thank You Celebration" event at Providence Park. I sat just a few seats away from my reserved seat for the Thorns season, and I even wore Red in their honor. It's been over a year since I've sat in that seat for a game, and I can't wait!
 

So, here we are, and it's July 2021. When you can safely fly on a plane, visit your elderly mom for her birthday, shake hands, and give hugs to friends (including colleagues!) who you haven't seen in over a year at your state's reopening event, it's truly a new day, worthy of celebration! Here's to you all!

And many thanks to the frontline heroes, who were recognized at the event by Governor Brown and who continue to go above and beyond to ensure the health and well-being of Oregonians. As was said at the event, there is still much to be done to recover from COVID and to be sure it is kept at bay. But with the vaccine, we can see our lives coming back. Embrace the moment!

Sincerely,

Ellen

P.S. We'll be taking a break from these emails for a while. Hey, it's summer after all! But all the more reason why I hope you will consider making a DONATION TODAY to my campaign. It would be much appreciated, and I'd have such fine thoughts of you all summer long. Thank you so much in advance! Have a wonderful 4th of July and summer! CHIP IN HERE >>