Stephen A. Smith’s mother Janet died Thursday morning, and Smith wrote a moving tribute to her, which was tweeted out by the First Take Twitter account.

Here’s what it said:

My mom would always joke with me about how I never got my mouth from her. What she couldn’t possibly know is that I never cared too much about not measuring up to her because I always knew perfection lied with her. She is the best mom I have ever known. The best woman I’ve ever known. The best person I’ve ever known. The best friend I ever had.

Her will, her core decency, her words of encouragement, her unwavering belief and undying devotion to me, to our family, not only weathered unimaginable storms that uplifted us in the worst of times. It also reminded my family that, indeed, God is forever looking out for us. Her presence alone was enough to explain the blessings He bestowed upon our family, just by choosing her to be our mom! In my lifetime I have never encountered anyone more worthy of love, kindness and God’s heavenly grace than Mommy. In my mind, I never will. 

She loved God. She loved us too. He took care of her. So she took care of us. If we were hungry, it was because she was starving. When we suffered, it was because we were spared! No words can explain how wonderful she was, what she means to me, to all of us. And there is no way to measure the pain of losing her now. Perhaps the only solace at this moment comes from knowing where she is: home. At peace! Finally! No ending can be more beautiful than that, especially for someone so worthy of God’s grace as her. Forgive me, however, for wishing it didn’t hurt so badly. So desperately wishing she was still here! 

In May, Smith talked about his mother’s battle with cancer, wishing her a happy Mother’s Day in an emotional speech on First Take.

No matter what you think of Smith as a TV personality, you’ll have a hard time keeping your eyes dry as he praise his mother for teaching him to ready and write and recounts how she took him to his first movie and his first basketball game.

We should all remember that even as we criticize people on TV we don’t like or don’t agree with, they’re all humans with emotional depth and feelings.

Condolences to Stephen A. and his family, and RIP to Janet Smith. She sounds like she was an incredible woman.

About Alex Putterman

Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.