Kelly K

Kelly is a one of a kind person. With a heart that she opens to all, Kelly is counted on by many. But what really has set Kelly apart and made her my hero is her non-stop optimism and dedication. Kelly has dedicated her life to helping people, and to helping spread awareness for an array of causes.

Let me start by giving you a brief history of Kelly's caring life. It really started from her birth. Kelly's family has been blessed with an uncle that is mentally retarded, Uncle Dennis. Dennis lives at a home that gives him a life designed for him. It allows him to work small jobs and have as independent a life as possible, while still having 24 hour care givers.

But as time went on, and Kelly's grandparents got older, and everyone's families started to grow, driving to get Dennis for family functions became more and more difficult. But Kelly could always be counted on. Not only to pick Dennis up for holidays and parties, but also to take Dennis out to do some of his favorite things, go to the pumpkin patch or the local arcade. This continued even after Kelly had four kids of her own, and Dennis became an important part of their upbringing.

You see, from a young age Kelly instilled in her children the belief that all people are here for a reason, and there's always something to learn. This concept greatly helped her children to learn from Uncle Dennis. He was special, and they were taught by Kelly through seeing how people gaped and stared at Dennis, that it's not right to judge people. People are special and always have something to teach us.

These values were carried on by Kelly when her cousin Maureen had her first daughter, Kristen. Kristen was born mentally retarded and with many other complications. The doctors said she wouldn't live a week. But they were wrong.

Kristen ended up living nearly 5 years. And in that time, Kelly dedicated much time to helping Maureen and her husband Jim care for Kristen, and even helped to start, and run, a non-profit organization in Kristen's name after she passed. Kelly helped many to see that Kristen was a gift. She taught us all unconditional love and even though she required much care and attention, what she gave us, surpassed the effort it took to care for her.

But again, Kelly's dedication and caring doesn't stop there. Kelly continued to give to those less fortunate, caring for a boy with autism, working in a school helping kids who were handicapped, and on to her current endeavor.

Currently, Kelly runs a small business that again, is dedicated to helping people. Her business designs and makes jewelry that is used by non-profit organizations to spread awareness and memorialize those who have touched our lives. With accounts across America, Canada, and the world, Kelly's business has facilitated the spreading of awareness for many causes.

As you can see, Kelly is an extremely caring and giving person. She's an amazing daughter, sister, cousin, niece, grand daughter, wife, mother, and friend. Through all her giving, she never neglected her family and always was there with open arms and an open heart.

That is why Kelly, my mom, is my hero. And being her 20 year old son, I know that I would not be who I am or where I am without my mother. Her caring heart, her dedication, and her optimism that we can make life better for all. That is why my mom, Kelly K., is my hero.

Submitted by Anonymous

Reaching Out