Thank you, Caroleene

Last year will go down in American History for a myriad of reasons both good and bad. To me, the year will go down as the worst of my life. From losing a local campaign for County Commissioner to my mother's funeral on the same day, my choice for President was nearly assassinated. In the midst of the chaos, pain, depression, anxiety, withdrawal, and darkness, ordinary people throughout Alabama stood up for my family and I to embody the very essence of the faith, hope and charity this country was built on.

During last year's Resurrection Weekend, my beloved mother experienced a massive stroke. The effects of this stroke nearly paralyzed the left side of her body, severely reduced her ability to speak, and restricted her to fighting chronic weakness every day until she closed her mahogany-colored eyes for the last time on this side of Creation. For 3 months, Cassandra chose life over death. For 3 months, family and friends prayed, visited, and shared in our struggle for just one more day. Caroleene Dobson being one of them.

While the country was captivated by the eclipse, the doctors proclaimed my mother, Cassandra, had few hours remaining. I felt my faith and my strength buckle as I stayed by Cassandra's bedside under this world's shadow of death. Shortly after, I was joined by loved ones and friends who made themselves available to be used by God to replenish my faith in why we hold the line for the sanctity of life. This all happened days before the run-off elections of the primaries.

Caroleene Dobson, one of two candidates for Alabama's 2nd Congressional District, stopped by the hospital to meet my mother, grandmother, check on my well-being, and pray with us. She remained consistent. She asked for updates. She took the time to encourage and uplift. She continued to support up to and after the funeral. Simply because that's the type of person of compassion conservative she was raised to be. No lights nor cameras, only, "...Cedric, how's your mom doing today? How are you doing?"

I no longer think the greatest trick the devil ever pulled on humanity is to believe he doesn't exist. I now believe the greatest trick was to get people to believe they cannot make a difference and be a part of the standard our God lifts up when the enemy and darkness comes in like a flood. Caroleene and other compassionate conservatives made this a reality for my family and I in the middle of the darkest moments. Now that mom has gone ahead of me to meet the Lord, my hope is we continue to show appreciation, support, celebrate, appoint and elect the ordinary people among us who continue to step out and embody the best characteristics of our great faith and republic like Mrs. Dobson.

Thank you, Caroleene.

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