Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills and Happy Thanksgiving weekend!
Like many Maine people, this holiday season, I am so looking forward to a big meal, to turkey, and pumpkin pie, squash, and maybe even green bean casserole. I’m looking forward to sharing time with my daughters and my grandchildren, my brothers and sister, and to pausing at the end of a very busy year to rest and reflect on things for which I am grateful.
This Thanksgiving, I am grateful that our state is blessed with people who love and care for one another. People who extend a helping hand when neighbors need it most – like when Maine people demonstrated such simple acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity during the big winter storm about a year ago that hit so many communities across our state.
This year, I’ll also be enjoying time with friends and neighbors and visiting veterans at Togus facility in Augusta. Let’s not forget people who don’t have family nearby and who may feel isolated.
We’re known for our independence here in Maine, and we are certainly strong, we pride ourselves on that, but we also know we can rely on each other and should rely on each other, and should ask for help in times of need. This holiday season will be time of joy for many people, but it is important for us to remember that some people may be struggling this time of year – some of our active duty servicemen and women will be unable to come home for the holidays, some people are mourning the loss of a loved one who will be missing from the table this year, I’ll be missing my brother David and my eldest daughter, some people may be struggling to make ends meet, and some may not have close friends or family to celebrate with and may be feeling alone even in the company of others.
As we begin this holiday season, let’s hold our family and friends, loved ones and neighbors close, be grateful for the kindness, compassion, and strength of the people of this state.
Let us take this time to appreciate life’s blessings and welcome others to our tables, large and small, to our homes wherever they may be, and into our hearts with generosity and grace. I’ll be welcoming grandchildren to my house and looking forward to hugging them with all my heart, thanking the Good Lord for their presence in my life.
I wish all Maine people and their loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday. And with peace and gratitude, this is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.