People are watching me. I see how they look at me when they talk with me. I hear how they say, “How are you?” I feel how they weigh my every action. I do not mean everyone. I do not mean most. But it’s way more than a few. I know they are watching me because they care about me. I also know their special concerns are generated by the wave of defeat from the Nov. 2 General Election.

One close friend did not speak with me for a week after the election. When the friend did speak, this is what was said: “Have you stopped mourning yet? Have all the tears dried up? I stayed away a whole week to give you time to mourn.”

Another person said: “You are in the minority now. How will you deal with that? It’s going to be very different for you.” There were many other words and actions that spoke to people’s concern. I feel the depth of concern and I am appreciative. However, I want people to know that I am indeed alright. Let me explain.

To the friend who gave me a week to mourn, I said: “I appreciate your concern, but I did not mourn one minute. Not one tear was shed. I simply embraced the moment. I embraced the struggle.”

I have observed my spirit rising up in hard times. It rose up when my mother died. It rose up when my father died. It rose up when my brother, Thomas, died in the Vietnam War. It rose up when my friend, Michael Figures, died all too suddenly. It rose up when my friends and brothers by marriage, Harold Gaines and Perry Varner, died. It rose up when my mother by marriage, Ora Lee Gaines, died. It rose up when my friend and law partner for 38 years, J. L. Chestnut, Jr. died.

Being in the Alabama Senate some 27 years never defined me in my mind. Being Chair of Finance and Taxation Education Committee some 16 years never defined me in my spirit. Being perceived as powerful never defined me in my heart no matter how often it was said. I felt like I was just Hank Sanders no matter what. I felt like I was just one vessel through which some blessings flowed. I still feel like a vessel though which blessings are flowing.

I feel blessed to have served in other positions. I also feel blessed to be able to serve in whatever positions I now hold. There is a lot I can do and will do with the Grace of God

My friends, do not worry about me. I have again called upon my mother’s wisdom who said, “Whatever you count, that’s what you will have the most of.” I am counting my blessings and they are many. All is well with me as I continue to serve.

EPILOGUE – It makes a world of difference when we embrace our struggles and the moment regardless of the circumstances. It especially makes a difference when the moment is going against us and the struggles are great. I am embracing whatever comes.