 * “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
—Helen Keller
Something about the intensity of legislative service can catch you up in a feeling that the fate of the world hinges on whatever you’re working on at the time. A pair of events in the first part of this month broke that illusion. They reminded me that we’re all part of a larger story that continually renews itself.
 On Sunday, February 5, Diarmuid Maguire died. In recent years Diarmuid was mostly known as Representative Pam Marsh’s life partner and all-around assistant; they were married for decades and raised four remarkable kids. He was that and more. This tells a larger portion of Diarmuid’s story.
I was struck by the end of that article, quoting the last thing D said to a close friend: “This may sound a bit crazy to you, but I have never been happier. I have so much to be thankful for; so much joy, so much gratitude. I hope you can feel it. Maybe even the beavers can feel it in some cosmic way!”
That’s exactly how he sounded to me not quite a week before he died. I had dialed up Pam to talk about an upcoming bill and he picked up her phone. “Representative Marsh’s secretary!” he boomed. “How may I help?” He went on to tell me how blessed he felt for the love flowing around him, and promised me a beaver-promoting tee shirt if I came over to visit.
I didn’t get there in time to collect. But that final conversation, as I hope and think he knew, was a much greater gift: a last reminder—the reminder D offered to so many people over so many years—of what’s really important.
 Just before dawn on Friday, February 3, Isaac Andrew Baker arrived into the world in a Portland area hospital. He’s Caroline and Andrew Baker’s first child, and they’re all doing great. Andrew’s now taking a little time off from his job in my office in Salem.
Andrew and Caroline: it’s a pleasure to see how fully you’re enjoying your huge new adventure.
Isaac: in honor of Diarmuid’s lifetime of service, I will do all I can to make it more likely that you’ll live in a state and on a planet that can support a long and healthy life. And I know your Dad will, too.
This unusually short edition of the newsletter is meant mostly to remind you of tomorrow evening’s online Town Hall (Tuesday, Feb 21, 5:30pm, link here). I’m aiming to get a longer edition to you next week with updates on some of the most important bills moving through the legislature.
 Senator Jeff Golden, Oregon Senate District 3
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