I lost my father when I was 25 years old and my husband when I was 50.  My father died in a horseback riding accident.  My husband died after a stroke and an 18-month battle against cancer.  I am grateful each day that I get to be here, to go on living, feeling the sand between my toes and the wind in my hair.  I appreciate that I got each of them for 25 years.

When my husband, Carlos, was facing his last weeks, many of his family came to see him.  His Uncle Gilberto was speaking to our son about where he grew up in Venezuela, inviting my son to come see the ranch.  Carlos and I didn’t take our kids to the ranch because it seemed too risky with the ongoing political turmoil.  At that moment, I glanced at my husband and saw a single tear roll down his cheek.  My heart broke imagining the pain he felt, knowing that he would never be able to show his country of origin to his own son.  He passed away shortly thereafter.

So, when you ask me why I am in public service, it’s because I want to serve others and do work that has meaning and purpose - for the greater good.  The experience of grief and loss can be an opportunity to grow, to expand one’s compassion, capacity for love, and courage.  It is humbling to realize that life can change in an instant, and it makes you appreciate the ones you love and the simple moments of joy each day.  There is nothing better than having my two children together, laughing from our souls.  No bucket list fulfilled makes a difference in the end.  What matters is that they get to go on living, dreaming, hoping, falling, and getting up, and I get to share it with them.  It matters that I do my part to make sure this world is better for our children and grandchildren.

My father and the father of my children truly loved this country, the values it stands for, and the opportunities it provided them.  My father’s relatives fought in every war since the Revolutionary War so that we could pursue our collective aspiration of life, liberty, and happiness with a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  My husband was a naturalized citizen and he was proud to call America home.  This Father’s Day let’s remember the bonds that hold us together, our common vision of a place where all can live free - may we see each other’s dignity and humanity always.  If there is anything my father and the father of my children stood for it is the courage to take a stand for what you believe in and an appreciation for the privilege of living here in the United States of America, the land of opportunity.

We are facing unprecedented challenges with drought and climate change in the Colorado River basin.  At this critical time, experience and judgment matter.  I hope that you will trust me to serve you for a second term on the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors.  Thank you.

Alexandra Arboleda