To the Editor:

This past week has been a roller coaster of ups and downs.

Saturday, Nov. 1, we learned that a much loved high school senior died the night before.

Sean Moran always had a smile on his face and a cowboy hat on his head. His friends and their parents, myself included, were devastated by the news.

But then our teenagers got together to support each other. Merrimack should be proud of our teens. They’re good kids. They care about each other.

A lot of the kids wore cowboy hats to school on Monday, Nov. 3. For the first time ever, according to my son, Wesley, it was quiet at the high school.

The next day, there was no school. It was Election Day. In spite of the sad circumstances, we had a tailgate-party atmosphere standing at the polls all day, sharing silly tales and teasing the heck out of the candidate who lost his phone in the port-a-potty.

I would like to thank all of the voters who came to the polls on Nov. 4 and re-elected, along with newcomer Josh Moore, the Republican Great Slate of Eight.

We campaigned as a team and will continue to work together in Concord.

The very next day, Wednesday, the Reed’s Ferry fourth-graders visited the Statehouse. Meeting with them, running errands afterward and then the cross-country banquet kept me from picking up my signs until the next day, Thursday.

Friday, Sean Moran was laid to rest. The church was full, and many were wiping their eyes. No one knows what happened. We only know that Sean is gone and he will be sorely missed.

The week has ended with another round of crying and sadness, but also some smiles. As I type this, the street is lined with the cars of teenagers from Merrimack High School, getting together, once again, to support each other during this difficult time. I’m so proud of them.

Merrimack, we’re a good town and we have great kids.

Rep. Jeanine Notter
Merrimack