2 Go Thanks

Have you ever watched an awards show—say the Oscars—and imagined what it would be like to give an acceptance speech filled with gratitude and thanks? Sure you have—we all have. Well, here's our chance to do just that.

However, we, like the actors at the podium at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, will issue the standard caveat that there are far too many people to thank individually, and any omissions are mere oversights. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But now to specific people (yeah, you should read on…you never know, maybe we will actually mention you by name).

Kelly would like to thank her whole family for filling her life with fun and laughter. She feels very fortunate to be part of such a large family. She especially thanks her parents, Tom and Barb Brown for all of their love and support. Dad, please do not worry. I promise that I am safe! (Click Picture to increase size: Tom, Barb, Wendy, Tracy, John, Amanda, Shelby, Brittany, Remy, Mark, Me, and Frank in the trees! Rob, Kathy, Patti, Dave, Tom, Terri, Mike were not there. Sorry Guys.)

Rich would like to thank his parents, who have always been wonderfully supportive, loving and caring. In particular, Rich's mom loves to travel, and Rich is thankful that he inherited this love of travel and adventure from her. In fact, Rich's mom is going to meet us in the Philippines. We can't wait!

Sweet Lou Cataland allowed us to stay in the newly renovated master suite of his home for several months after we sold our home. He was a very gracious host. We had a lot of fun! We cannot thank him and his lovely new bride Andrea enough.

Kelly would like to thank the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office for the special going away party that they had. The famous musical group, "Go with the Deputy" sang special songs and even performed a cheer in honor of Kelly's upcoming journey. She would especially like to thank Danny Porter, the District Attorney, for being such a great boss and D.A. and for being very understanding and supportive.

Kelly and Rich would really like to thank David and Linda Ivey. David has been Rich's boss and friend for many years. He is excited about our journeys, as it shows by his many questions and comments. David and Linda are a lot of fun to be around. This photograph is taken at Floataway Cafe. We had a great dinner together. As a going away gift, they gave us the extraordinarily generous gift of three nights at a luxurious resort of our choice anywhere in the world. Among other suggestions, one place they suggested we use it was the Four Seasons in Bali, which is consistently ranked as one of the best, if not the best, resorts in all the world. We are very excited about this!! After the rigors of economy travel, it will be awesome to enjoy some luxury and to be pampered.

Who can forget Sweet Jaci and O-Boy Fresh, proud new parents of beautiful twins, Brackett, the monster child, and Sweet Sarah. They're precious, but on to their father, Owen. Upon reviewing the initial version of this web site, Owen Hardy was rather indignant at not even garnering a mention on this page of thanks. He was right, however, to remind me that it was his inspirational guidance that has made this trip possible. We cannot imagine where we would be without him. We love him. And if you need to buy a bond, he's your man. Reach him at Bank of America at [email protected], and let him know Rich and Kelly sent you. Really. Email him now.

Rich's brother, Don Willis, and Don's wife, Emily have been members of 2 Go Global enterprises from the very beginning. They helped in getting our house looking fabulous before we put it on the market. They helped us move out of our house. They have also opened their new home to us during our last few days of preparation. Don is in the design business and Emily is a counselor for a local area childerens' shelter.

Mike Biglow and Julie Frisbey had a great going away party for us. Wayne and Jennifer Bradley had a wonderful dinner which included as a parting gift: "meals to go" a ready to eat meal given to service men and women. Bill and Ginger Mitchell hosted a great dinner which was decorated with maps and flags.

Please come back to this section, as we are still in the process of thanking people!