have you ever thought about what the world would be like without you? i think about it sometimes. you see, my mom was in high school when she learned she was pregnant with me. and i realize she could have made a different choice. she could easily not have had me. i'm sure the idea probably flashed through her terrified mind. she could have determined she'd rather attend her senior year and go to the prom and graduate with her friends rather than face expulsion as an honor student at the top of her class. but she didn't. she chose to have me, and to love me, and to be the most incredible mom a kid could ever want. but if she wouldn't have, i would not be. big j would not be. little j would not be. all the things i've done in my life would not have happened. you would not be wasting your time reading this blog right now.

seriously, though. i think i was worth being born. i thank my mom for being the kind of person who values life and wanted me, despite the rough road she knew she'd have to travel. i am so grateful that i am here. and i know my mom is grateful i am here.

so tomorrow when you vote, south dakota, think about that.

and i promise that's about as political as i'm ever going to get.