Just Powers

Emma’s great-grandmother, Mike’s grandmother, passed away last Wednesday. It has taken me this long to mention it here partly because I have been sick, but mostly because it is hard to know how to do her justice in just one post.

The first time I met Mary I thought to myself - “Please let me be just like her when I am in my 90’s. Oh hell, just let me make it to my 90’s.” Mary didn’t miss a trick. She heard and understood every conversation that occurred anywhere in her vicinity and usually had something to say about it. She loved crossword puzzles, and even at 95 years old, did one every day. She also loved bowling - candlepin was her specialty up until just a few years ago - and she proudly displayed her trophies and the scorecard from her perfect 300 game.

She was married to Stanley - who I never got to meet, but have been told was a lot like Mike in many ways, which made me feel like Mary and I shared something unique. She and Stanley moved into their house before Mike’s mom was born, and Mary didn’t leave until just over a year ago, more than 60 years later.

I could go on and on about Mary and how great I thought she was. She was funny and pretty and honest and she raised a wonderful daughter who in turn raised two wonderful sons. We all loved her and are going to miss her, but I am so grateful that I got a chance to meet her and know her even if only for a fraction of her long life.