The document thanks many family members and friends for their positive influences, including their mother for raising them, grandparents for their life lessons and values, an aunt and cousin for bringing joy, and friends for their friendship and life lessons. It expresses appreciation for how these people have helped the author become a stronger, more caring person through both positive and negative experiences.

1. Dedicated to all those that inspire, influence, and make me happyAn Influenced Life

2. I always thought I was close to you but with Joels death I became even closer and captivated by your glory. You have given me strength, will, and have never lost sight of me. You have given me all these amazing people in life to love. Material things mean nothing it is the people we share this life with that mean everything and I thank you for bringing these people into my life.God

3. My lifesaverGiving birth to me at 16 and raising me to be respectful, brave, loving, dedicated, and so much more. You are my strength and I love you. (Mom on Right)MOM

4. Treating me as your own son teaching me lifelong lessons that I will always live by. I miss you and love you.Grandpa

5. Giving me lifelong memories of values, family, and tradition. You have influenced me to always be creative. (Grandma on Left)Grandma

6. You brought me up to realize the pleasures in life, the comical moments, and strive to achieve anything.Aunt Lori

7. You are my sister with a 21 year age difference. You make me remember the innocence in us all. I LOVE YOU SAMMYSamantha

8. You help me realize the good in people, family values, and the love of family that cant be broken.Uncle Andy

9. You have moved me in ways I never thought possible. Achievement is what you show me is possible in anything we do.Stephanie

10. You have shown me how to have faith and to never let go. This has been one of the biggest life changers for me and I thank you.Uncle Gary

11. So many times we did not see eye to eye but you showed me what compassion and care can do to a person. May you continue to watch down over us.Joel

12. You are someone I have no contact with anymore but you helped me prove to myself that I do know what I want in life. You were my first love and heartbreak. But I am stronger now because of it.Jeff

13. I do have to admit that this required some editing in wording but it is still true. I found it hard to believe that anyone could touch my life like you have. Even though we will be just friends you will always have that special spot in my heart that nobody else has. Mike

14. You hired me for my first job. You developed me to be a stronger employee for our company. You taught me so much of what I know today. You took risks with me and I am forever grateful. (Penny is 3rd from Left)Penny

15. You brought friendship into my life. A lifelong friendship that I am forever grateful for.David

16. You have taught me to loosen up and have fun. Life should be fun and I thank you for making me realize that.Kenny

17. Ms. Kalwat. “Who the heck is this kid” Remember that?? Lots of fun we had and continue to have. We have seen each other go through a lot and I am glad I have had you so we could be there for each other. Watch out for that bubble wrap!!!Lauren

18. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career if it wasn’t for you. You showed confidence in me when I didn’t know I had it. You taught me how to be a manager for the people and that is a valuable tool to have. Enjoy your retirement.Jack

19. This may be harsh but you showed me the man that I did not want to become. Your examples showed me to never step onto the path you took. You have made me a stronger person because of that.Dad

20. I never had the chance to meet you but through Mike and his family I feel like I have known you. At your mass Father Burnett spoke of how you had the words Character Counts on your refrigerator. I too believe in character as did my grandfather. It is something I see very strong in your family especially your nephew Mike who means the world to me. I too will put those words on my refrigerator and remember how strong just those two words really are. I thank you for reminding me of that. God BlessEileen Hagerty

21. Oh Maria where do I begin? I remember the first time I saw you when you started at Orland I thought hmmm this is going to be interesting, and to say the least it has been. You are a superior friend and are one that I know will always be there. I love you Gomez.Maria (Gomez)

22. As I create this you are about to embark on a journey with someone you love. I am so happy for you and thank you for your friendship you have always been a fantastic and accepting person. Tiffany

23. Thank you everyone for making my life awesome I love you all