Editor, The Herald:

Current and past citizens of the Seventeenth Senatorial District:

On January 11, 1984, shortly after noon, I was sworn is as a member of the Senate of Virginia. Today, twenty-eight years later, I write to express my sincere heartfelt appreciation for those who helped to make that journey possible. Despite my disappointment in the outcome of election 2011, I leave office having a sense of positive fulfillment and with profound gratitude for all of the courtesies extended to me as your State Senator.

Throughout those glorious years, including eight contested elections, I found many wonderful people throughout the seventeenth district, which included thirteen different localities. Although the geographic nature of district constantly changed, the friends I made, the officials with whom I worked and the citizens in each area were always friendly and treated me with respect-even when differences of opinion occurred.

Please know that my wife, Dana, and I feel blessed that we were afforded this great opportunity during this phase of our lives. We have now found a renewed sense of peace and are enjoying our lives being more simple and serene.

I hope my travels down life's path will cross with many of you. In the meanwhile, may God bless each of you for the kindness you brought my way.

Senator Edd Houck

Member, Senate of Virginia

1984-2012.