Letter: When one of us hurts, we all hurt

Talk about it

I remember Senator Jim Vickerman speaking these words, “When one of us hurts, we all hurt,” at a public forum in Worthington discussing relationships in the legislature. He compared the legislature to the likes of a family.

You read about the heated arguments at the Capitol and you see the mean-spirited literature pieces delivered to your house during the campaign season, but the Senator is right. When one of us hurts, we all hurt.

Recently, my good friend Rep. Doug Magnus’ father passed on to a better place. Doug was at our apartment in St. Paul when he received the call that his father had lost his battle with cancer.

Doug is very strong and was very composed but visibly shaken. That morning a number of legislators met Doug for breakfast to offer their condolences and support. Doug, being the dedicated public servant, made sure his family was cared for back home and then attended session to debate bills that same day. The opening prayer was in honor of Doug’s father, and legislators from both sides of the aisle came over to offer their condolences and give Doug a sincere embrace.

Senator Vickerman came over from the Senate to the House Chamber and with tears in his eyes told Doug how much he respected and admired his father and was sincerely sorry for Magnus’ family loss.

When one of us hurts, we all hurt. Grant Clarence Magnus eternal piece, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon him.

Tags: rod hamilton, doug magnus, opinion, letters, hamilton, magnus