I feel there isn't enough I could ever say or do to properly thank you. Thank you not only for raising me, but for raising us all. You're a tremendous woman whose compassion and love has touched a countless number of people, and I've brought everyone here to give us all a chance to say thank you, to let you know that we appreciate everything you've done for us, and to tell you that you are loved.

I've watched you since I was a boy; the eyes of the son ever on his mother. I've watched you build a tremendously successful business as you raised your three boys. I've watched you offer help to others when you barely had the means to help yourself. I've watched you inspire people, I've watched you give them hope. I've watched you endure such abuse and continue to help those who have hurt you most. I'm so thankful to have you as my mother. You're the driving force in my life, and it's because of your actions that I've become the man I am today.

You've taught me everything I know about kindness, compassion, and love. You've taught me to fight for what I believe in. You've taught me to never give up, to endure, to persist. You've taught me that regardless of how dark the night becomes, the sun will always rise. You said changes will come and life will have its way with my pride, and that I should always keep my dignity, take the high road; take it like a man. You said, "like the rain, this too shall pass." You've always supported me, always fought for me, and always been on my side.

Your encouragement and support has meant, and means, so very much to me. Your words echo through my soul with every decision I make. You've shown me that this life is war and we must persevere - we must do what is right regardless of how hard it may be, we must help, we must encourage and support others, we must take the road less traveled, we must never give in; we must fight. You've shown me that people like us are here to balance the equation, to even up the odds, to bring out the best in people no matter what. With everything that's wrong with this world you're part of what's right, and I'm proud of you mother, so very proud of you. I'll spend every breath and use every ounce of my soul fighting as you have fought, because you've taught me well.

I appreciate, respect, and love you so very much.

Kelly