What a beautiful collection of recollections this has turned out to be. As I began reading, I was slightly concerned that Hope Matters would dredge up all the sadness and fear of the recent past - living through a pandemic, facing the political and social challenges of 2020, witnessing the death of George Floyd and then moving into a new year that started with an insurrection. Instead, I found each chapter to be enriching and, though sometimes a sad reminder of the many despairing moments of 2020, filled with hope and inspiration. This book calls us to be our better selves and to examine the ways in which we have been part of a system that has disadvantaged so many of our fellow Americans.

In its own gracious and unassuming way, the narration of Hope Matters reminds us that we can do hard things, that kindness and compassion are sometimes the only gifts worth giving, and that we will get through this together. I thought 2020 was a year that would best be forgotten. Instead, Andrew presents a collection of weekly editorials that weave together a year that brought out the very best in so many of us in bold and meaningful ways. In the end, it is clear that hope really does matter.

Karen Howard

Chatham County Commissioner