• Accepting family as her top priority, she put her competitive spirit on standby, but never lost her love of fair play, teaching us that wholesome fun is an essential part of life.
• I could’ve become a quitter, but she helped me overcome discouragement born of self-doubt to meet a commitment and to fulfill a goal.
• When almost everything in the world of my youth said,
“Be cynical, or pessimistic, or both,” she was my reliable source of optimism, like a spring that never dries up.
• “Anything worth doing is worth doing well” was not a stale platitude for her, and she nurtured a regard for craftsmanship. If I distorted that gift into perfectionism, it’s not her fault.
• Quick with praise and slow to criticism, observant eyes without guile and easy laughter is her trademark.
• Pious, yet mischevious; dignified, yet unpretentious; she is naturally self-sacrificing, but nobody’s fool.
• When something bothers her, the discomfort is usually directed inward. If she’s called upon to render judgments, they’ll be reluctant, fair, morally sound, and never demeaning.
• Her belief in me has always been iron-clad, devoid of showy affection, but as steadfast as anything in my life.
• If you’re up to no good, and you see her spinning that broom—trust me—just dive overboard…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my “Mombo.” I love you, forever…