On Tuesday, State Senator Tim Melson (R-Florence) reunited with colleagues for the start of the 2024 legislative session after suffering from a heart attack during a trip to South Korea in July.

Here’s what he said from the floor of the Alabama Senate:

State Senator Tim Melson 

“Thank you to all the members that reached out to my family with my event this past July. It was a very nice gesture for all of y’all that reached out, said your prayers for me and kept me in your thoughts. You know, you don’t realize, you live as old as [State Sen. Jabo Waggoner] and life is still short — and I learned that this past summer.

So, thank y’all and especially thank you — is Senator Orr in here? Senator, I’m not even saying anything cute, funny or anything except thank you. Thank you.

You know, Senator Orr was one of a couple and everybody else involved gave me CPR. Thank goodness I don’t remember it. <laughter> But anyway, it was an interesting moment when you go on a trip, and next thing you know, you wake up in a room and everybody’s speaking Korean. And, I learned kimchi is their version of chicken noodle soup. So, it was an amazing experience that I wouldn’t wish on everybody.

You know, I really had a warm feeling and closeness to all the members that have done things and all the staff as well and, and lobbyists and everybody that reached out so thank you very much.”

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth:

“Senator Melson, great to have you back. I speak on behalf of everybody in Alabama, we were pulling for you, it’s good to have you back in the Alabama Senate.”

Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed

“Praise the Lord Jesus, Senator, we’re glad you’re here.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270