Expressing Gratitude
Floor Speech
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Mr. Kean. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep gratitude for the patience, kindness, prayers, and concern that have been shown to me and my family over the course of the last several months.
This is not an easy speech for me to give. I am a private person by nature, and I have spent most of my life talking about the people that I represent, issues facing our communities, and work that needs to be done.
Talking about myself has never come naturally, but I believe that I owe an explanation to the people of New Jersey's Seventh District, to my colleagues in this Chamber, and to the American people for my actions.
Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long- term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression.
Now, when people hear the word ``depression,'' many people think it simply means feeling sad. But depression is so much more than that. It is physical and emotional. Until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.
The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness. They explained to me that this would be the fastest way to recovery. To be honest, I was hesitant. I didn't think that I had time for it. I had responsibilities to my family, constituents, and to this institution.
Like many people, I believed that I could simply push through, but I agreed to follow my doctor's recommendations, again, not believing that it would result in a long-term stay. I began to understand not only my diagnosis but how long depression had been affecting my life.
When I first informed the public that I was dealing with a medical issue, I was still trying to understand what was happening myself. When I said I hoped to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it. Those were the best estimates that the doctors could provide. Yet, as the over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing and recovery-- only the work of getting better one day at a time.
Today, I am grateful that I listened to my doctors, and I am grateful for the exceptional care that I received from doctors, nurses, and support staff. I am grateful that I accepted help because today I stand before you healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I love.
I have always been a supporter of mental health care. During my time in New Jersey legislature, I worked to advance mental health parity. I believed in the cause then, and I understand it in a far more personal way now.
This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the millions of Americans who face these challenges each and every day.
Many do so quietly. Many do so alone. Many do so while carrying burdens that the rest of us never see. To them I would say: Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a strength.
I thank my constituents. I thank them for their patience. I thank them for their understanding. I thank them for their prayers, and I thank them for allowing me the honor of serving them.
I also thank my staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure that our office continued serving constituents every day during my absence.
Most importantly, I thank my family, whose love, whose support, and whose faith carried me through some very difficult days.
This is not a partisan issue. It touches every community, every family, and every corner of this country.
If sharing my story encourages even one person to seek help, if it gives one family the courage to have a difficult conversation, or if it reminds one person that recovery is possible, then this moment will have been worthwhile.
I am grateful to be back with the full support of my doctors. I am grateful to be healthy. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District.
I say thank you. May God bless the people of New Jersey, and may God bless the United States of America.
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