Sen. Colbeck: In 2012, Focus on the Good That People Do For Others

State Sen. Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton) represents Plymouth city and township, Canton and part of Northville city and all of Northville township.

Dear Editor:

The holidays are often a time of joy and good tidings as friends and family get together to share the spirit of the season. This past holiday was indeed a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of my first year as a Michigan State Senator. I found that it was very easy to get distracted from what is truly important in life as I ran from meeting to meeting or switched from phone call to phone call. In order to keep me focused throughout the year on what is really important in this hectic environment, I posted a plaque with the following reminder in the entrance of my office: 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)”

I am happy to say that Christine at the Veterinary Emergency Service in Plymouth was all of the above for my wife and I on the night of December 23.  Our 16-year-old dog and family friend of 15 years, Rastro, passed away before our very eyes in front of the Christmas tree. With heavy hearts, we brought the lifeless body of Rastro into the lobby of the veterinary office. Christine welcomed us into a side room where she checked his vital signs and confirmed that he was indeed dead. As we stood there in grief, she gave us each a hug. She then proceeded to tell us not to worry about a thing. She would take care of everything from that point forward. In the midst of overwhelming grief, we experienced overwhelming warmth and kindness from a complete stranger.

So as we begin the year 2012, I encourage all of us to not only “focus on whatever is true, whatever is noble”, but also to tell someone about it. There are so many people in our community like Christine that go about the day providing joy and comfort in ways that are above and beyond the call of duty. Too often we focus on the bad and the ugly. I encourage us all to shed a little bit of light on the good in people that we come across each day.

Best wishes to your readers for a wonderful new year!

Sincerely,

Patrick Colbeck

State Senator