The time has come for my final article as president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, and as I reflect on this year, I am filled with gratitude. Our recent state conference in Waco Oct. 5-8 was a fitting reminder of what makes this Association so special.
As many of you know, I was unable to arrive for the first two days of the conference. On Oct. 4, while my wife, Annette, and I were traveling to Waco, we struck a deer, causing our vehicle to veer off the road and travel down a ravine. The rough ride resulted in a fracture in Annette’s back, requiring surgery that night.
What followed was an outpouring of love, prayers, and support. During our absence and after my late arrival, so many people stepped up to take care of responsibilities, fill the gaps, and ensure the conference and its events continued smoothly. To everyone who helped, checked on us, prayed for us, and offered encouragement, please know how deeply grateful we are. The photos from the conference that so many sent were especially meaningful to us as they helped us stay connected and feel a part of the conference from afar.
There are not enough words to express what your kindness, thoughts, and care meant to us. Our conference theme, “Leadership Beyond the Courthouse,” truly came to life that week. Leadership is not just about the positions we hold or the responsibilities we carry. It is about serving others, stepping forward when help is needed, and caring for people beyond the walls of our courthouses. We experienced that kind of leadership firsthand through the generosity and willingness of our Association family to serve.
Throughout my year as president, I have been reminded of the value of the friendships we share, the knowledge we gain from one another, and the strength we find in working together for the counties and citizens of Texas. The events in Waco reinforced just how much these relationships matter.
A memory etched forever into my heart is the moment I made it to Waco and walked into a reception of hugs and tears of gratitude, not from temporary friends, but from lifelong friends. This Association is more than an organization; it is a family of people who care about one another, love big, and are willing to step in when it matters most.
Above all, Annette and I thank each of you for your prayers and encouragement. Every prayer was needed, felt, and appreciated. During a frightening and uncertain situation, God gave us a peace that could only come from Him. We are reminded once again that God is good all the time, and we are deeply grateful for His goodness and faithfulness in carrying us through.
As I close this chapter of service as your president, I do so with a thankful heart. Thank you for the confidence you placed in me, for your friendship, and for the opportunity to serve alongside so many dedicated county officials, as well as the incredible staff and partners whose hard work behind the scenes makes these conferences possible. It has been an honor, and the blessings of being part of this Association will stay with me long after this year ends.