Maureen (MoMo) is 60 years young today. It is hard to believe, for her, as well as others. She is the youngest 60-year-old you could ever know. She doesn’t look, act, or feel her age. She has been a member of our family for almost 30 years. I have told others that I sometimes think of her as our oldest daughter, and at other times, as my younger sister. Regardless of how she fits in our family, she is family, and more so than some others who are blood kin. For she has been there through many of our major moments, including the birth of our three grandchildren, who love her as much as they love us. And that is ok with us; there is no competition. She gives freely of her time, money, and heart, including leaving Raleigh at 3am to get to St. Marys, Ga. to see/hear Mary Grace and Elsie sing in church. And there are so may other times that she has been there for all of us. And our youngest granddaughter, Virginia, grabs her around the legs, and says, “I love you so much, MoMo!” And you see and feel that love, and know that when you have the love of a 4-year-old, you know you have an authentic person. And authentic Maureen is, almost to a fault.
I have often thought of Maureen (MoMo,) and wondered what it is about her that endears others to her, and not just our grandchildren, but other children and adults as well. I think I have discovered some of the reasons she is so special to so many people. And on this, her 60th birthday, I want to acknowledge her uniqueness.
Maureen is so positive, usually finding the bright side (she and we call it the good finder) in any situation. Her fun loving spirit is one of her best qualities. She is always fun to be around. Now, how rare is that?
She is so loving, especially of children and older people. There are too many to mention, but you all know who you are. It is not unusual for MoMo to receive a text or call from different friends inquiring about an illness or accident with themselves or the children, asking what to do about the problem. As an expert Nurse Practitioner whose diagnostic and treatment recommendations are often spot on, Maureen knows her boundaries and limits, and does not cross over those. On the other hand, she is quick to do what she can when she can, and those of us who can call upon her at these times find great comfort in her advice. As such, MoMo is “never off duty.”
Maureen is non judgmental, and accepts all as they are, without any thoughts of superiority. Having grown up in Canada, she has not experienced some of the prejudice that is more common in the southern U.S.
Maureen is passionate about life, her career, and those she loves. She is one of the rare ones who found her calling early in life, and has never questioned that. She began her professional career as a nurse, then became a Nurse Practitioner, and found her perfect fit. We should all be so fortunate.
To MoMo’s parents, Mum Bernadette and Father Fred, thank you for the nurturing that resulted in such a wonderful person; all children should be so blessed as to have parents like you. Father Fred passed away a few years ago. Mum Bernadette is still spry at 93. They can be so proud of MoMo.
MoMo on behalf of all of your loved ones, thank you for who you are and all that you do for all of us. We celebrate this time in your life, and recognize that even thought you don’t look or act 60 years young, you are! The rest of us should be so young. And so positive. And so loving. And so non judgmental.
And so YOU.
Happy Birthday, MoMo! We love you.
It's In The Sauce! 