Mark Pryor: “I have to begin today by saying one thing, that is, to God be the glory. I will finish with that too. But first let me…”

“I have to begin today by saying one thing, that is, to God be the glory. I will finish with that too. But first let me say a few words. Since election night I have had many Arkansans come up to me and thank me for my service. I appreciate that. But I need to thank them for allowing me to do this for the last 12 years. It sounds like a cliche, but it is not. Serving in the Senate has been the greatest honor of my life. It truly has been. I have loved it. I have always done it with a cheerful heart. When I go back to my beloved Arkansas, I have to thank the people of Arkansas for allowing me to work for you. But I must confess I will miss waking up every morning and thinking, how can I make a difference for Arkansas and for America today? Those years were momentous in so many ways, for our country and for our world. I had a front-row seat to making history, and I hope I made a little bit of it myself. On a personal level, those years were filled with family and friends, a remarkable staff, my Senate colleagues, and a whole series of rich, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The Lord has given me two wonderful children who are now in college. I know many of you all saw them for the first time when they were in elementary school. I am very proud, and their mother is very proud, of Adams and Porter Pryor. I am very excited about their future. God has also brought an old sweetheart back into my life, Joi. She and I attended the sixth and seventh grades together.…”