Here’s a story that will make your allergies flare up, just in time for Mother’s Day.

A high school senior in Ohio surprised his mother by asking her to go with him to prom, since she was unable to have one. Trey Potter told Columbus CBS affiliate WCMH that he wanted to show his mother, Melissa Roshan Potter, that he admires everything that she has been through in life. “She never had that experience and she’s risked so much for, throughout my life, and made so many sacrifices I thought it would be the right thing to do,” he said.

Melissa, a product of the rape of her mother at the age of 13, lived in 23 foster homes (many of which she was abused in) during her childhood. She would end up homeless and pregnant at the young age of 16. She faced a lot of adversity and negative energy after Trey was born.

“I didn’t hear any positive reinforcement that I was beautiful, valuable or worthy,” she said. After having Trey and getting her life together, she would be discovered as a model, appearing on many magazine covers. She also became an advocate for foster children nationwide.

“When I was pregnant with him well, I heard, ‘Mel because you lived in the foster care system, you’re probably not going to raise a thriving individual. It just doesn’t happen. You can’t give him what you don’t have.’ So seeing who he has become and knowing the sacrifices that have been made and how much I love him and seeing that come to fruition, I’ve proved then wrong.”

“I think it shows her how much I appreciate her cause i really do after all she’s been through and all I’ve been through with her,” said Trey.

We’re not crying, you’re crying.

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Trey Potter

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