Look out boys, Marge is back in town

Today, those of us still in our “earth suits” lost a wonderful presence.  Marge Maloney, mother of four, “Memo to many, the iconic Aunt to a whole group of young Haakinson women, and friend to anyone who knew their sports and could play a good game of cards.  She will be so missed.

Ever since I could remember, I (along with my cousin Tracy) have been told, “Oh you’re just like your Aunt Marge. ”  I didn’t think this was too bad.  She was fiesty, sharp as a tack, accepting of people’s differences and the life of the party.  If that was the life I was suppose to lead, then I had a pretty good role model.

Aunt Marge outlived all five of her younger brothers, a husband, and a son.  Today is my father’s birthday and I just have an idea that she heard there was a party going on,  and she wasn’t going to miss out.  So she left that old tired “earth suit” and headed up to heaven, (we’re assuming that they all ended up there),  to add a little spice to the festivities.  So boys, you had better stand up straight and wash behind your ears, because your big sister is back in town.

March madness is just around the corner and Aunt Marge now has the best seat in the house.  If her wildcats can’t make it, (they haven’t been the same since Lute left), maybe Tracy’s Jayhawks or my Zags can give her some thrills.  I just know that she’ll be laughing at me whenever the TV networks won’t show the game I want to watch.

Everyone will have a different reason to miss this wonderful lady.  For my children, she was always able to remind them of their Grandpa through her speech and actions.  For me, she was always the midwest link to remembering my Haakinson roots. And for many others it will be her wit, her confidence, and her ability to share her love.

So for now, I will toast you, Aunt Marge, with a Bloody Mary, and a dab of Shalimar behind both ears.

Walk with me today

Today it was suggested to me that I pick an icon, someone I admire, and invite them into my mind for the day; walk with them.  There are many famous people that instantly come to mind, but two of the most lasting icons that I draw strength from are my two college roommates.  I have always been blessed by the incredible array of mentors that have been made available to me in my life, but to get to live with two of them at a time of huge personal growth, such as college, is maybe one of the greatest gifts of my life. 

 Cammy, my first roommate, taught me loyalty as I watched her write a letter to her Mother every day of our college life.  She taught me excellence as she strived to get the most out of every class; not just for the grade, but for how she would use this information later.  She taught me that energy is limitless; at least I never saw Cammy without a fresh supply.  I never heard Cammy say a bad word about anybody.  She was always more concerned with her own role in the world and making the best of it.  After college, as our lives took different turns we just kept in contact through Christmas pictures, but the beuaty of Cammy would always be a part of who I am today.  I know that anyone who knows Cammy today will tell you they have never met someone of her integrity, strength, and conviction of values.  When I see the Christmas picutre filled with her many children and grandchildren I think how lucky they are to have her in their lives.

After Cammy’s marriage, I was lucky to learn a few life lessons from my second college roommate, Emily.  We had a rocky start, when she teased me about my “green hair” (a little chlorine problem), but our friendship has continued to grow and grow over the years.  I don’t know if I have ever known someone who lives a truer life than Emily.  In her world, a spade is a spade; and don’t just stand there, do something with it.  My first question when I am faced with a tough life question is, “What would Emily do?”  I seriously ask myself this question all the time., because I know that I won’t be very far off the mark if I try to make a decision based on the anwer to this question.  Do you know very many people who, when seeing a couple of elderly ladies standing at a busstop in the rain, would turn their car around and pick them up, take them on their errand and then drive them home?  Who do you know that would take over the mowing of the school yard when that was cut from the budget?  Who do you know that shows up at your parents door the day of your Dad’s funeral, makes you drive around in her sports car with the top down (in December) and finally gets you to quit crying because you are laughing too hard.  There is not one doubt in my mind that if I need Emily, she will be there before I can hang up the phone.  She’ll probably be there even if I haven’t called.  She is a gift to all that know her. 

I am so lucky to have known these two remarkable women and to know them as my friends.  I will walk with them today, as I do ever day, knowing that my life is richer because I have been touched by who they are.