By Georgia Estrada

It is extremely difficult to be thankful in 2020 after having to endure the hardships, the heartaches, and the battles presented to me this year. My solid foundation ripped from underneath me within a 6-month span, which left me in a state that I was unfamiliar with. The sting of death invaded my family three times and the threat of COVID snarls its vicious teeth. The whirlwind of uncertainty caused the dark thick fog, which caused directional blindness. I found myself in a battle, a battle that required relentless perseverance. I had two major events that needed to be conquered in 2020, graduation and re-election. Another event that was born from my heart, the “Constable Georgia Estrada Scholarship” was approaching. My vision for 2020 was to award a high school senior and an adult with a scholarship, however it did not look promising. Not to mention that the civil process is still being sent to the Sheriff’s Office from the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2. Just a reminder once again, I have never refused or rejected any civil process from any court especially from JP-2. This is a selfish act of disservice and sabotage on my precinct and community. Let us not exclude the numerous executive orders from the Texas Supreme Court, Governor Greg Abbott and declarations of local disasters that disrupted our daily norm due to this pandemic.

Now that the dust has settled a bit, I am reminded of a quote I read, "Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter what befalls us in life, we can take the charred remnants and we can reconstruct a life unimaginably richer than that from which the shards and pieces fell." — Craig D. Lounsbrough.

In November 2019, my world had gone into one terrible chaotic storm after losing my beloved grandparents and sister. In the mist of the most difficult time of my life, my path was crossed with two unexpected individuals, Mr. Paul Evans and Mr. Joey Gordan. Mr. Evans and Mr. Gordan were partners with the late Deputy Sheriff Floyd Estrada, my father. They attended my grandfather’s memorial and have been in my life since. Both retired from law enforcement and the huge gun fanatics the connection was instant. Throughout this year, Paul went up and beyond to check in to see how I was doing. I would receive text messages that said, ”Not to worry, know that I’m proud of all you’ve accomplished. I know you father is very pleased, too.” “What is our next project?” or “Get to work!” after I whined. Sunday nights after watching Yellowstone, we would recap and try to figure out the next episode. We share our favorite books, podcast, and documentaries with each other. I believe this was orchestrated by the divine intervention from above with the reconstruction of fatherly relationships.

I have learned that to eat an elephant it takes one bite at a time. In February 2020, my opponent was found ineligible after a lawsuit was filed. In April 2020, I partnered with three local businesses, LDT Janitorial Services, Leal’s Mexican Restaurant, and Cierra Towing to award three scholarships with the funds raised from a raffle that the awesome citizens from Amarillo and Pecos Texas participated in. Melanie Gomez from Caprock High was awarded $1500.00, Delilah Cruz from Palo Duro High was awarded $1500.00, and the first adult scholarship was awarded to Adan Torres of WTAMU in the amount of $1000.00. In May 2020, I graduated from WTAMU with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, minoring in Policing. In August 2020, the ineligible candidate appeared on the Texas Secretary of State website for the General Election. After a day of phone calls, emails, and text messages the name was removed. On November 3, 2020, I was re-elected as Potter County Constable Pct. 2.

I look back on 2020 and see that I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful and grateful that I did not face my hardships and heartaches alone. I am thankful for the prayers of comfort and strength as I fought through 2020. I am thankful and grateful for the support of my community. I am extremely thankful for each of my constituents that evaluated the work, and the fruit produced these past 5 years as their elected Constable and the opportunity to represent precinct 2 these next 4 years.

Let me encourage you to get up every day and focus on what you do have in life. Fight for what you love and who you love. Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving, but every day and every chance you get. Never take anything for granted and appreciate each opportunity to press forward for the greater good.

Georgia Estrada is the Constable in Potter County Precinct 2.