My kids pulled this USA puzzle out of a closet at my in-laws and the state shapes are making me lose my grip on reality.
Today marks one year since Melissa and Mark Hortman were killed in a horrific act of political violence.
Both of them, along with their dog Gilbert, lived lives defined by their service to others. They were the best of us.
We miss them every day. May we all work to honor their legacy.
I remember thinking that seemed a little silly or frivolous, but into law it went, as things she fought for often did. It wasn’t even her bill, as things she fought for often weren’t.
The Capitol electrolier used to only be turned on for the first day of the legislative session and on Statehood Day.
One thing I remember from negotiations in 2023 was that the Speaker, Melissa Hortman, wanted a provision to light the electrolier every day the legislature was in session.
BlueSky just prompted me to invite friends to join and I gotta believe that it has something to do with the scaffolding and tarp party.
We learned so much from Melissa Hortman that it's hard to quantify. This one in particular reminds me every day to enjoy the beautiful and yes, sometimes frivolous, things in life.
May Melissa, Mark, and Gilbert Hortman rest in peace. They are so deeply missed.
Now, every day this session, I looked into the Capitol dome as I came to work and saw that electrolier illuminated in all its glory. It made me think of Melissa every time.
Today she has been gone for one year, and I cherish every sign of her.
One year ago, Senator John Hoffman and his family survived the attack that claimed the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and their beloved dog, Gilbert.
When he returned to the Senate, Sen. Hoffman reflected on loss, resilience, and our shared responsibility to one another.
