HOUSE MEMORIAL 57

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Rebecca Dow and Tim D. Lewis

A MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 6, 2018 "NEW MEXICO'S ANGELS ON EARTH DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, ordinary people acting as angels on earth walk among us, reflecting the best of human nature; and

     WHEREAS, these angels on earth show selfless devotion to their neighbors and communities by honoring the dignity inherent in human nature; and

     WHEREAS, these faithful guardians see the goodness in all people, including those who cannot see it in themselves; and

     WHEREAS, Albuquerque police officer Ryan Holets and his wife, Rebecca, are two angels on earth, and their extraordinary compassion has set an example for valuing and protecting the worth of every human life by adopting the baby of a pregnant woman who was struggling with heroin addiction; and

     WHEREAS, on September 23, 2017, after responding to a call at a convenience store, Officer Holets saw a couple nearby using heroin; and

     WHEREAS, realizing the woman was pregnant, Officer Holets chose to focus on what he could do for the baby and the couple instead of simply arresting the couple on drug charges; and

     WHEREAS, witnessing the woman's sincere concern for the health of her unborn child, Officer Holets and Rebecca offered to adopt the baby, appropriately named Hope, and they see the addition of Hope to their family as a blessing from God; and

     WHEREAS, since the birth of baby Hope, Officer Holets has not forgotten his concern for her biological parents and has worked tirelessly to connect them with the treatment services they need to overcome their addictions, regain their health and begin their journey toward recovery; and

     WHEREAS, as a six-year veteran of the Albuquerque police department, Officer Holets often sees the worst of humanity, and, instead of becoming hardened or cynical, he expressed the best of humanity by responding to the woman's plea for help for her unborn child; and

     WHEREAS, Officer Holets has been called "my personal angel on earth" by baby Hope's biological mother; and

     WHEREAS, Officer Holets hopes that his actions have put a face on drug addiction and adoption and will inspire others to support drug treatment centers and adoption organizations; and

     WHEREAS, Officer Holets and his wife, having opened their home and their family to provide a stable and nurturing environment for a child facing an uncertain future, represent the thousands of adoptive parents throughout New Mexico who willingly and generously give vulnerable children a place to call home; and

     WHEREAS, Officer Holets also epitomizes the steadfast dedication of the thousands of men and women in New Mexico who resolutely dedicate themselves to helping others escape the grip of substance abuse and addiction; and

     WHEREAS, by taking direct action to save a child's future instead of leaving her fate "to the system", Officer Holets and his wife embody the golden rule by making a lifetime commitment to care for the child of a stranger in need;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that New Mexico angels on earth be recognized, celebrated and honored for their faithful devotion to nurturing and protecting the lives of all New Mexicans; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Ryan and Rebecca Holets.

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