Happy Birthday, Mary

The first time I saw my eldest daughter, Mary, moments after her birth, my only thought was how wrinkled this little person appeared. That was thirty nine short years ago today. The wrinkles went away and a wonderfully special person appeared.

She is one of those people who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Now that's not just a proud papa talking. Before settling down with her marvelous husband, Steve, she modeled professionally. Now she is the mother of Steve Jr. and the big headed kid in the pic, James David.

And what a fine mother she is. Mary volunteers at their schools, providing the necessary cupcakes and moral support for parties and PTA. Able to stay at home she gives the boys the necessary love and guidance they need.

She weekly picks up my mother who has given up the car keys and takes mom to her nail appointment after which it's off to lunch. Many times they spend the whole day together. She is the care giver for her family when problems arise, always ready with help and support.

Mary has never met a dog she didn't love...and the smaller the better. If the pup could fit in her purse it had a home. At last count there were five of these critters romping around the house. Well, like her father, several are older and don't romp much any more. How many people do you know who wipe their pets butts after the latter go pottey?

When she was little and her father would come in after working late to lay on the couch and watch TV, unwinding, often would come on small steps this wonderful child. We would snuggle up together and all would be well with the world. And now seeing what she has become and remembering those times, I know if for no other reason, I have contributed at least once to making the world a better place.

Happy Birthday, sweet Mary.