By Senator Cam Ward / Guest Columnist

With Christmas approaching, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect back over the last year. It has been whirlwind time for my family during this year in the Senate. We have been blessed to enjoy the support of so many friends and family members during this exciting time in our life. We could not do it without you.
It has been fun serving the people of District 14 and regardless of my length of service, I always learn something new every year. Over the last four years, I had the opportunity to represent many of you in the Senate. With new district lines being drawn, there will be some areas I no longer represent, but regardless please call on me if I can ever be of assistance to you. Whether it was the my visit at the Alabaster Senior Citizen Center to unveil new, anti-elder abuse legislation, the Chilton County Peach Festival or the Helena Buck Creek Festival, I am truly been amazed at the experiences I have had. There are so many great people and hidden treasures in our community. I am thankful that I have had a chance to visit with them over the last year and look forward to seeing more of you in the New Year.
This year Riley, turned 12 and I turned 43. Julie is still as young as ever. I have a few more gray hairs than I once had, but every one of them are worth it! I know I speak for my entire family in saying that even on the longest of workdays it has been a wonderful 2014.
The next legislative session will begin in March. We will have debates again on the lingering budget crisis and I am sure I will make right decisions as well as mistakes along the way.  It is a process where perfection does not exist but only the hope that good intentions prevail. There will be plenty of time for talk of politics after the New Year but in the mean time I hope that you and your family are able to sit back and enjoy the holidays.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from the Wards!

Cam Ward is an Alabama state senator from Alabaster who represents District 14.