Mitchell was my only offspring, and all the days of his life he was a blessing to me and to countless others. A loving, compassionate, understanding, empathetic and thoughtful son, he was and always will be my pride and joy. My nickname for him was "Sir", he is in my heart and on my mind daily. And every night after communing with God and before I go to bed, I say: "I love you, Sir." Today (Thanksgiving Day) I thank God for Sir.

Mitchell loved God above all others, I am proud to say. But he told his congregation that there should be two women in every man's life--i.e., his wife and his mother. What comforts my heart on Mitchell's birthday is knowing that he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and me unconditionally. Naturally, I loved him unconditionally and I always will.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." My son had happy times, but of greater importance he was useful, honorable and compassionate; his life made a difference to a countless number of people, which is one of his greatest legacies.

Senior Pastor Mitchell F. Martinez was a genuine servant of God. For over two decades he preached and taught the Word of God and served the poor and needy of the Iron Triangle community of Richmond, California. He was an honorable man, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and son (my only offspring), who I dearly loved and respected and who will forever be in my heart and thoughts.