Number 152

Mary Dupee Ousley

My mother-in-law died today. She was 96. And while her passing was, to a certain degree, 'expected,' I find that a piece of my heart is quite saddened by her death. She was, simply put, one of the most extraordinary women I've ever known.

The first thing you must know is, that when I met and later married Rebecca, I won some sort of "In-Law Lotto." She and her husband (my father-in-law), Joe immediately and whole-heartedly welcomed me into the family. They were kind and generous and loving and supportive in all things. To one another. To their children and extended family. To their church and community. I loved them right from the start; and a few of the half way-decent qualities I possess were inspired by them - especially her.

There are so many stories I could tell, but y'all are only going to get one. It occurred when I accidentally overheard a private conversation between her and her pastor (they were speaking in an office with the door open when I walked by, honest). The pastor was asking about a monetary donation Mary had just made, "That's to be anonymous, as usual, right?" he asked. "Yes," she replied simply. 

I had enough 'insider information' by then to know that she was exceptionally generous when it came to monetary donations, and I wasn't surprised that she wanted her donation to remain private - public adulation for her many financial gifts would have been a great embarrassment to her, and quite the opposite of what was important to her. And this is what gets to the heart of the matter for me.

There was a need, she could help, so she did. 

Over and over and over again, for 96 years.

So, God Bless you, Marmee. Thank you for your love and generous spirit. Thank you for the many lessons you taught me over the years - both the intentional and accidental ones. Give Rebecca a hug for me.

I love you.