Dear Friends,

Easter Sunday will mark two months since Jim passed away. Although this time hasn't been easy, and grief is overwhelming, I know Jim is watching from heaven and we will be together again someday.

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Jim and I met in 2017 at the Olmsted County Convention. We married in December, 2018 just a month after Jim was elected to Congress. Two months after our marriage, Jim was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer and our lives forever changed.

Jim is the biggest fighter I have ever known. For three years he traveled to all 21 counties across the district, flew back and forth between Minnesota and Washington D.C. and gave his heart and soul to southern Minnesota, while fighting cancer at the same time.

We are forever grateful that Jim was able to live his dream and serve in Congress.

A true heartfelt thank you to all of you. You helped Jim get elected. You fought with him to keep our country strong. And, he loved working with you and representing you for the last three years.

I wrote this letter to Jim for his funeral to remember our love and the impact he had on others:

“I believe in love. I believe in you. Our bond of matrimony and commitment to one another allowed us to achieve our dreams together, side by side, supporting one another unconditionally throughout our journey. They say true love may only come once in a lifetime. I’m thankful I spent 40 years saying no to them, so I could say yes to you and am forever grateful you said yes to me. Your presence and energy will always be a part of my heart, soul and spirit. The memory of your life will continue to inspire those you knew and loved. I love you Jim. I miss you. I wish I could hold your hand just one more time. Until we meet again, forever would not have been long enough.”

I promised Jim I would keep fighting for all of you and carry his legacy forward. I will not let him or any of you down.

With that, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Carnahan