Dear Blount and Sevier County neighbors:

I developed a chronic inflammatory lung condition in May of 2004, which has only partially responded to treatment. I am now comfortable, when oxygen is constantly administered, but I am limited in my activities. I could not campaign in my husband's race in 2004, and I must miss some of the events which he now attends. Since my ability to assist Raymond is limited because of my physical condition, I want to write this letter to you.

Raymond and I have been married more than forty-four years. God has blessed us with four children and two grandchildren. Because we married relatively young (I had just turned eighteen), I soon became pregnant, and our families were in eastern Tennessee but we lived in Memphis while he studied medicine, we “grew up” together. Our marriage has been a strong, happy, faithful partnership. We are not only man and wife, but we are also best friends. We have grown into God's model of marriage in Genesis 2:24, that “a man… bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.” Our being one flesh is so complete that I can even finish his sentences now. (This perturbs him, but I think it is neat.)

Raymond has had only three passionate interests in life-- God, family, and work. In our forty-four years of marriage, Raymond has taken virtually no time just for himself. If not at work at the hospital, he immediately came home to be with our children and me. When I once asked him why he did not take more time for personal activities, he answered that he was required to spend long hours at the hospital, caring for the patients entrusted to him. He felt a duty to give his best for his patients, but the long hours he spent away from home made him feel guilty about missing family time. He derived more pleasure being with his family than he could receive from any activity away from his family.

Raymond has carried this same passion and work ethic into his elected office as state senator. Our children are now grown and have their own homes, but he and I still spend as much time together as possible. I am fortunate to be able to go with him every week to Nashville. When in Nashville, I read, do needlework, help in his office, and volunteer at Tennessee Right to Life.

I watch him in Nashville and at home. He spends many hours each day (except Sunday, which he reserves for church and to spend with our family for Sunday dinner), working for citizens of his senatorial district. He was accustomed to workdays exceeding twelve hours as a physician, and he has not changed his work schedule since being elected. He still arises at 4:00 am to 5:00 am every morning, makes coffee, and starts work. He reads, studies, and tries his best to do the proper things for the citizens of his district. He wants only to help people in his district, but he is frustrated that the political process is so cumbersome that he cannot help people even more.

Far more important than his work ethic, though, is his character. I have never met anyone who is more honest or has stronger, more solid character than my husband. He believes in God with all of his heart. Through his faith, he knows that he is accountable for every word and action-- whether good or bad-- before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Through his faith, he knows that he is required to love and respect all persons equally, as taught by Jesus that the only two commandments he is required to follow is to love God with everything within his being and to love his neighbor as himself. I believe no one could serve as this district's senator, who would work harder, be fairer, or feel more compassion.

If you want to ask me specific questions about Raymond, call me at home (865.984.1424).

God bless you!

Linda Finney