THE TIME TO BE GRATEFUL 

It’s that time of year again!   Amidst the hustle and bustle of working full time, decorating, wrapping, baking, traveling, and spending way too much money shopping online, I always like to pause for a moment, and reflect on the year that has gone by.

COVID-19 changed all of our lives in so many ways.  I think of my brother Joe, every day, who lost the love of his life, dear Lisa, to COVID-19.  So many have lost loved ones to this horrible virus.  Others have personally experienced long term residual debilitating symptoms and wonder if they will ever be normal again.  Many have lost their businesses, their jobs, and even their homes.  We are all sick of wearing masks, and being told what to do, but most of us try to do the right thing anyway, and put others before ourselves.  Just when we think COVID-19 is on its way out, some other crazy and oddly named variant makes its way from some far away land.  Will it ever end?

While there has been much sorrow, disease, despair and division in our country, my heart is still full of gratitude and hope. We still live in the greatest nation in the world, and oftentimes forget about the many privileges we have as Americans.  I made a little list of the things for which I am grateful, and I hope you will do the same this holiday season:

• Our nurses and doctors who have worked tirelessly to care for the sick during the pandemic;

• My family: Gene, my husband, and Maddie my daughter whom I love to the moon and back. My mom, Sunny, and my dad, Cappy, and all of my brothers and sisters, their spouses, their children, and their children’s children. We are truly blessed to have each other. I also love my in-laws, and my husband’s brothers and their girlfriends and all of their kids, here and in Wisconsin!

• Our staff: Kathy, Morgan, Melissa, Rose, and our law clerks, Karoline and Lucas. I am truly blessed to work with the most incredible, hard-working, dedicated, and smartest people on the Earth.

• Our clients: We love serving our clients more than anything else. We are so proud of all of our clients and the many hardships they have overcome. We keep in touch with many of them, and are so excited to see their many accomplishments. It is our honor and pleasure to serve each and every one of them.

• My dogs: Since we are empty nesters now, Sully and Lily bring us pure joy, each and every day. They are THE BEST snugglers in the world (although Sully has no idea how big he is, and is a total cover hog.)

• Arizona: Arizona has the best sunsets and sunrises in the world, period.

• Sooner Nation: Ya’ll know how much I love my Sooners, and we welcome Coach Brett Venables! Boomer!

• Criminal Justice Reform: 2021 was unprecedented when it comes to criminal justice reform in Arizona. The Arizona Legislature did away (at long last) with civil forfeiture as we know it. Marijuana lower level offense can be expunged. Beginning in January of 2023, most crimes will be eligible for expungement after certain waiting periods. Various other substantial reforms are on the horizon. I am so proud of my brothers and sisters at AACJ and other criminal justice organizations who were instrumental in bringing about these important changes.

• Freedom: Last but not least, I am grateful to be free. I am grateful that I can write this newsletter without fear of being silenced, unlike Peng Shuai, the female tennis player in China. I am grateful that I can vote, unlike the women in Saudi Arabia. I am grateful that we all have a right to a trial before a jury of our peers if accused of a crime, and the presumption of innocence. I am grateful that my daughter has the opportunity to be anything that she wants to be if she just works hard. Thank you to our soldiers, and all of those who work tirelessly to protect us, and to ensure our freedom.

Happy Holidays to you and yours from all of us here at Adams & Associates, PLC.  We are truly grateful for your business.