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Happy December! Wherever you are, my friend, I hope you’re still wrapped in the lingering warmth of comfort and love from the recent holiday. It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is over and, in one month, we’ll be ringing in a new year. Physics theories notwithstanding, I’m convinced time moves faster as we get older! When life’s perpetual fast pace overwhelms, I try to gauge my days by the yardstick of time I spend with family and friends, value of my work, wellbeing of our neighbors and community, and acts of kindness all around us. Too often, quiet acts of courage and compassion are lost in the noise: the nurse who comes in on her days off to style patients’ hair, pampering them as they recover from illness; the attorneys working pro bono to help women across the country navigate oppressive reproductive health restrictions; the young college sports star who spent his own money and time buying and distributing meals to needy families around his county. All of these humble heroes, and more, are worth taking a few moments to honor every single day. Moreover, at a time when so many across the globe have experienced struggles and suffered immense loss, remembering that for which we are thankful is an act of grace. My family and I remain deeply grateful to healthcare workers, first responders, and, of course, all essential workers who have kept this country functioning throughout the pandemic. We are also proud of and thankful for the global community of scientists and researchers who determined how the virus that causes COVID-19 replicates, how to test for it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. Because of their tenacity and commitment to public health, we have safe, highly effective vaccines to protect us; vaccines which allowed our family — and millions of others – to safely gather at the same table last week. Since our entire family is fully vaccinated – including our three kids and their grandparents – I was granted the bliss of knowing those dearest to me were all under the same roof for a few precious days. Max and Bruno were droolingly happy to have their human siblings home for endless snuggles and under-the-table scraps. Kishore and I made sure to take it all in with our grateful eyes and full hearts, as those precious family moments always go by much too fast.
In that spirit of gratitude, let’s remember to celebrate the good within our collective humanity as we forge ahead advocating for policies that deliver the promises of equality, justice, compassion, and equity across our country. As promised, I’m continuing to use my voice and platform to fight for meaningful change. Many of you have joined our newly launched endeavor – HEAL PAC - and for that, I’m deeply appreciative; the support we’ve received has been unmatched, and if you’re passionate about our mission, I hope you’ll join us. Our goal is to realize a more affordable, accessible, and equitable healthcare system for all Americans, and together, we’ll make it happen. Our family are wishing you and yours had a healthy, happy start to the holiday season. Take good care and let’s talk soon. In the meantime, remember to stop and take it all in. Warmest regards, Hiral
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