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To the Editor:

I have received Social Security disability since 2007 and it is my lifeline. I would not have been able to provide a roof over our heads and be there for my daughters as a single parent without the social services I have been fortunate to receive from the town, the state, and the federal government.

So there I am, July 29th, standing in a very hot, very small room with Congressman Larson, Senator Murphy, and the family and friends that have supported John Larson for decades.

As Larson was giving his speech, the elderly, adorable man next to me, leaned over and said proudly, “That’s my brother.” I looked at Dan Larson and said how proud his parents must be looking down from Heaven upon this scene. We both teared up. Later after the speeches I mentioned that I’ve been on the hunt for some John Larson swag and I couldn’t find anything. Not even on eBay.

Then Dan Larson said, “I wish I had another shirt – I’d give you this one.” I said, “No, no. I’ll get one eventually.” As I was about to leave I saw Dan walking towards me. He had gone to his car, put on a shirt from his golf bag, and he gifted me the shirt off his back.

This really encapsulates the Larson family: hard working, genuine, and so generous.

When John returns to Washington, he will be the Chair of the Social Security Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee – if the Democrats take back the house. Let’s have good-hearted folks be in charge again.

Ripley Heintz
West Hartford