This past year has been incredibly trying for numerous reasons, but when I find myself especially missing Melissa and Mark, I remember the guidance their incredible children gave in the wake of this tragedy: "If you would like to honor the memory of Mark and Melissa, please consider the following: - Plant a tree.
- Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.
- Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.
- Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it.
- Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.
- Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.
- Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.
"Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.” It’s good guidance, and a list I’ve revisited many times over the last year. Standing up for justice and peace had been especially relevant in Shakopee and at the Capitol. It’s been a tough year without Melissa in the House, but in a way she’s always guiding our work - and it’s work I remain committed to. If you’d like to help with that work, you can reply to this email or call me at 651-297-5003 with any questions, comments, or ideas you have for Shakopee and Minnesota. I look forward to hearing from you. Brad Tabke, State Representative | Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn.gov Tenzin Tsangyang, Legislative Assistant | Tenzin.Tsangyang@house.mn.gov |