My friends:
John and I have discussed the possibility of this day coming, and he told me to please carry on, to stay calm, and to continue the good works that he was - has been - involved in.
It is with sadness today that I have to bend over and pick up the tools that he has used so well in the past.
I pledge my sweat and tears as well to continue to make our great nation progress into the bright future that lies so tantalizingly close.
Pray for John, and me, as we continue to trod the path laid out for us.