This Thanksgiving I encourage you to look beyond all the hustle and bustle of the holiday festivities, and think about life’s many gifts and blessings we enjoy.  It’s about spending time with your loved ones and giving thanks for your blessings.

Many of us have filled our lives with busy schedules and other important commitments. By the end of the day, we’re usually tired and mentally preparing for the next day or the upcoming week. Take some time this holiday season to be proud of yourself and your families for all the good you have done and will continue to do. Take time to be present, take a breath and recognize the wonderful things around you.

Family and friends are some of God’s greatest blessings, and it’s uplifting to know you can rely on each other’s love and support. I am a very blessed man to have a wonderful wife, children and grandchildren whom I adore. Their love and support are the greatest gifts for which I could ever ask.

Thanksgiving is not only a time to express our gratitude for all life’s gifts, but to give back to our community and to others less fortunate. The beauty about the American spirit is even during difficult times, we rally together and are able to make the good count for more than the bad. I would encourage you to look for ways to give back this year. Perhaps it is adopting a family for Christmas or donating food to a foodbank or volunteering to serve meals at a soup kitchen. Whatever you choose to do, please do it with a grateful heart and the spirit of thankfulness.

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. If you are traveling, please stay safe. May God bless and keep you well.

Contact Information: State Capitol Building, Room 420. Phone: 573-751-8793. Email: mparson@senate.mo.gov.

If you have any questions or comments regarding issues in state government or within the 28th Senatorial District, please feel free to contact my office.

“Nothing is Politically Right Which is Morally Wrong.”