Opinion

I had a friend in high school who was generally considered a bit odd. He didn’t dress quite right, never knew how to “read the room,” and often talked far too long and in far to much detail about computers— at a time when very few households even had one.

We have all heard it before. Before the end of the visit, the doctor will usually ask, “Do you have any questions?” That is usually the precise moment that my mind goes completely blank. Every question I can think of seems silly or embarrassing. I know the doctor is busy so I don’t want to “bother” him/her by taking up too much of their time. I really do not want to look stupid or ignorant. So, I say nothing, smile and the doctor leaves the room shortly afterwards. As soon as that door closes, the flood gates open and all the questions I should have asked bubble to the surface. Now it feels too late to ask them. Sound familiar?

My elder son and his wife of 50 years celebrated this summer. They took their whole family on a trip to mark the occasion. Julie had worked a long time to get every piece of the travel puzzle to work.

One of my biggest priorities as your Senator is hearing directly from Nebraskans. I continue to do what I did as Governor. I travel the state, talk to Nebraskans, and listen to their concerns. Last week, I welcomed hundreds of Nebraskans to my annual Federal Issues Forum at the State Fair in Grand Island. I’m grateful for everyone who attended.

I’ve been honored to receive various awards during my time in the U.S. Senate, but one of the most meaningful is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Golden Plow Award.