Goodbye, Rick: A fond adieu to Rick Santorum

The first time I met you I was covering the March for Life for the A.D. Times, the Catholic
newspaper for the Diocese of Allentown.  The diocese always had a rich participation in the event
and that year was no exception. You came outside to meet the group of excited students from Allentown Central Catholic.  You warmly thanked the youth for their participation and affirmed the importance of their "YES" to life. I remember thinking how warm, nice and sincere you were.

FOUNTAIN HILL,PA
(Catholic Online) -   Dear Rick,

The first time I met you I was covering the March for Life for the A.D. Times, the Catholic
newspaper for the Diocese of Allentown.  The diocese always had a rich participation in the event
and that year was no exception.

You came outside to meet the group of excited students from Allentown Central Catholic.  You
warmly thanked the youth for their participation and affirmed the importance of their "YES" to
life.

I remember thinking how warm, nice and sincere you were. You weren't afraid to shake lots of hands, look people in the eye, and you said, "thank you" over and over again. Your gratitude was palpable.

So here's my chance to say, "thank you."

Thank you for taking on the mainstream Republican hierarchy.  Thank you for continuing on with
your very clear, conservative message.  Thank you for sharing some of the most intimate moments a family can have - sharing the story of the death of your child and what you did to grieve together.  I've been a bereavement counselor for over 19 years, I appreciate your courage in sharing that sadness.

Thank you, Rick, for letting us take just a peak at the fragility of the life of your daughter, Bella. 

Thank you for valuing our prayers for her welfare.

There were many times through your campaign when I just held my breath and wished that you
hadn't said what you said, especially about immigrants and homosexuals.  I was uncomfortable
with your positions. 

But of all the candidates vying for the Republican nod, I never wavered in my support for you. 
Your whole life has been a testament to your integrity and belief in an America that could shine
again.  I could feel your willingness to pull us toward a distinct vision of a country that succeeded
because it rewarded risk, a country that called its citizens to help each other and not rely on an
omnipresent government specter to make things right.

Thank you and God bless you and your family!

Most sincerely,
Carolee Gifford

www.CaroleeGifford.blogspot.com
.

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