President Hadley reflects on yesterday’s tragedy in Newtown, CT
Today, as a Grandmother and Great Grandmother, I wanted to fly to each of my grandchildren and great grandchildren's home to hug and kiss them, but instead had to rely on calling their parents to hug and kiss them for me. Today was also my granddaughter’s birthday and she has held tight to her little four month old daughter. I am so thankful they are safe.
I am sure all over the world grandparents wanted to run to Newtown, Connecticut to hold all of those precious little ones who were spared and to tell let them were loved. I wanted to reach through the television and hug each parent and hold them tight.
24 years ago we buried three cute little boys who lived just a matter of minutes. Thought I would die at that loss. I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to take my child to school and never be able to bring them home again.
We are a strong nation where sorrow is shared with each other. When tragedies like this happen, we band together, especially when precious children are the victims.
WE MUST HOLD THESE FAMILIES IN OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS. Please send cards and letters to: Sandy Hook Parents, Newtown, CT 06470. Please let them know we care. Bless all the little children.
By Patricia Welch, Secretary, California Republican Party
President John F. Kennedy once said that a “rising tide lifts all boats,” and while he uttered these words in response to a crippling economy, these words epitomize what this party must focus its efforts on as we move into 2013.
I want to say here and now, that I want to fight for and with YOU. It is my honor to announce that I am running for a second term as your California Republican Party Secretary. I want to continue to work with the grassroots organizations and build a solid foundation for our party. Volunteer organizations like Republican Women are integral to the success of our party moving forward and I want to be there to support you.
We need to focus on the real problem which is, what it is we, as a party are going to say. Our party needs to stop searching for the Big Tent and instead build a foundation for all of us to stand on. Focused on the generally accepted principles of limited government, individual responsibility and growth and prosperity, we can generate a rising tide that can appeal to all Californians. Republicans believe that every Californian has the opportunity to succeed and to prosper.
Like a “rising tide lifts all boats,” it’s time for California Republicans to start building boats again. The 2014 elections are right around the corner. It’s time to get back to work. Merry Christmas to you all and Happy New Year!
Dear CFRW Members,
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." (Albert Schweitzer)
Yesterday many of us attended the "Celebration of Life", for Barbara Alby in Sacramento. This has caused me to reflect on many things. My light was often rekindled by meeting and being in the same events with Barbara.
It also made me appreciate the many times each of you have rekindled my flame. Each of you are a light in this organization and at Christmas Time I am so thankful to have each of you in my life. You add to the betterment of this State and Nation. You are builders of people and ideas. Working together we can accomplish ever so much.
I know the 2013 declaration of "CFRW Year of the Woman" will be one of growth. We have read the evaluations from our Fall Conference and are incorporating many of your suggestions for our Winter Conference in San Diego, February 8-10, 2013. We need each and everyone of you to bring your ideas to share at our three workshops. Remember without you there would be no CFRW.
Presidents, if you have not received your 2013 President's Packet, please let us know. Also, all corrected documents are on the CFRW Web Site. We need the correct information as soon as possible so our reports to NFRW will not be late.
May you have time to reflect on all that is good about this time of the season. Christmas is a time to love and less time to find fault. Just as the lighting of the Menorah brings joy and reflection so should Christmas.
Remember always, you are the BEST OF THE BEST. Let you light so shine that all may see your good works and be blessed to have you in their lives. Your light might be the only good thing in someone's life or it may be the life saving thread in another.
May Our Father in Heaven continue to bless you.
Again, thank you for being my light in the desert.
CFRW President
