“Thank you so much, Jan, for your kind words, your support, and the example you have set for me and so many others in this room. I promised Ashley I would keep this short, so I wrote down a few words to read to ensure I don’t go on too long…Though I don’t know why he’d be concerned about that. First, thank you to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming and the Try Committee for this honor. When I received the call that I was the recipient of this year’s award, I had thought they were calling me to chat about an upcoming event I needed to emcee. After I stopped crying, I couldn’t say anything other than thank you; it meant so much to be recognized and seen as someone with “try”. My whole Prairie Wife brand is based on leading a life of grit and grace, and it’s humbling to know that I’ve been able to live out that mission in so many ways. But I couldn’t have accomplished any of what Jan talked about without the help of so many other people. Thank you to my mom and dad, who taught me work ethic and the importance of using your gifts to help others. Especially my mother, who passed on her genetic traits of stubbornness and fearlessness. She didn’t live to see Governor Gordon sign our bill into law, but I have no doubt she was there with us in her own way. Dad, I am so grateful to have you here with us in Casper celebrating this award. To my husband, who had no idea that the little hobby blog I started 13 years ago would lead to this moment. Thank you for your encouragement, your patience, and your unwavering belief (or maybe I should say fear) that anything I spoke out loud would eventually come into existence. To my children, who are my joy and my purpose. Thank you for your selflessness and your understanding. So much of what has happened over the years has taken me away from you, and you’ve never once resented it. I hope as you get older, you understand what a gift that has been to me. Brandi Sorenson, you are the Elle Woods to my Erin Brockovich, and for that I will always be grateful. And to my loved ones and friends. Thank you for your faith in me and my mission, and for all the times you offered me your strength when I had none left. Cont. in the comments. ...