I was diagnosed as a child at an early age as having shy bones in my body. In the early 90’s, there was no medical cure for shyness. It would something I would have to overcome but thankfully not alone. I had finally decided at the age of 12, I did not want to be shy. I confided in my mom, and we embarked on a journey to free me from my shyness.

It started in 7th grade. All I had to do instructed my mother was speak to one new person a day. Being the literal child I was and still am, I thought I can do this. I can speak to one new person a day! By the end of my 8th grade year, I knew the whole school! I finally was unafraid to speak and make friends. You may be wondering why I am sharing this silly coming of age story. It’s important for you to know because it says a lot about who my mother is. She’s a problem solver, behind the scenes, wind beneath your wings kind of gal. She does not seek attention.

As long as my parents have been together (since 1969 to be exact), my mom has played the very important role of driver in their relationship. My dad was diagnosed at 15 with macular degeneration and is legally blind. Thus, he cannot drive. She has always made sure he has gotten to where he needs to go, as well as, be his eyes as needed. When children came along, she again put our needs in front of hers, making sure we got what we needed.

Besides being the most selfless person I know, she is quite witty. There’s a picture in a Uniontown High School yearbook somewhere with a picture of her with a flower in her mouth posing with the caption “wittiest”.  I’ve heard my dad say that when they were dating, when she walked in, she could light up a room. She still does. He has always called her Mary Louise when most others have called her Mary Lou. I think it is special when he calls her that, a connection.

She even taught me how to flip the bird. I had come home in 7th grade upset because a guy had flipped me off. I’m not sure I knew exactly what that meant but I knew it wasn’t nice. She told me as she was folding laundry on the bed, just flip him back off! Of course, I didn’t do that but it was an important lesson on standing your ground. She encouraged me to always be myself even if it meant that I might not necessarily be the popular kid. It was more important to treat people the way you wanted to be treated. I had a hippy/ 60’s faze in 7th grade that included bell bottoms, incents, beads on my closet door, and knee socks with skirts.

When I had William Michael, I knew in my heart that I couldn’t imagine not being in the same town as her.  A few months after his first birthday, we made the decision to move back home. We were only an hour away but just not close enough.

I’ll be forever grateful God chose her to be my mom. In a lot of ways, I catch myself saying or acting just like her, and I just smile to myself.

We celebrated her birthday this weekend with a small surprise party. I could not think of a person more deserving. Happy Birthday Mom, Nana, Mary Louise! We love you!

Mike and Mary Louise