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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal> As this 2020 thanksgiving day winds down, my heart is full. May I express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for each of you. I have been in Alaska now for 10 years and have know some of you as long or almost as long. This is the longest that Warren and I have stayed in one place as a couple and we have not regretted it in the least. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you for your friendship and the opportunity I’ve had to be your NFB Alaska Affiliate president as well as the president of the Anchorage Chapter. I assure you, what I have gained from you is far greater than anything I might offer. Thanks to each of you for your support and friendships. Many of you have shared stories of deep struggles and challenges. For those who have lost loved ones, whether due to the Pandemic or other tragedies, my heart goes out to you in your time of grief. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Though the road has been bumpy, you have persisted and found ways to push ahead, recognizing that blindness does not have to define you. There are times when I too feel overwhelmed with life challenges and you have reached out and given me the love, hope and determination to push forward with happiness and hope. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In closing, it is my wish that each of us can take the time to express our gratitude for our countless blessings and gifts. Let us move forward with hope and determination. The message is clear — <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“We <i>can</i> live the life we want.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Warmly,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bonnie Lucas<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Alaska<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>907-301-6808<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:nfbofalaska@gmail.com"><span style='color:blue'>nfbofalaska@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:nfbofalaska@gmail.com"><span style='color:blue'>nfbalaska.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><a name="_Hlk16627103">The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>