Remembering Mary on upcoming birthday. Time fades but the memories do not. They last forever.

Another landmark passes. Nikolas receives his MS from the Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University. A great accomplishment. Beyond the joy was the sadness of not having you there. But, in our own special ways, we all felt your presence.

To Nancy: I found your posting on the site to be very moving. Thank you for your reflections on Mary. You characterized her perfectly. When we first dated, Mary was quiet and selfless. It took a while for her to open up, but when she did our relationship blossomed. She was so happy to have two wonderful sons. Seeing her leave so early in their lives was difficult for them, but she would've been proud of their accomplishments as young men. I see a lot of Mary in them. Being with them always reminds me of the good times I had with Mary. I miss her still. Thank you so much for sharing your reflections of her.

Mary and I were students at Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township, NJ (Bergen County). At one point, she was dating a boy whom I had dated the year before. I considered him to be very lucky!
She was one of the most pleasant, quietly friendly girls in our class. When the Class of 1968 had our 20th reunion, Mary and I talked for awhile. I had just had my fourth child, who was three months old. Mary was disappointed that she hadn't had any children yet...she really wanted them. I told her that I would be praying for her and hoped they would come.
Two weeks ago, our class celebrated our Fiftieth Reunion. I organized this reunion. In the beginning stages, I tried to find classmates for whom we had no address or other information. I Googled like crazy! When I found the information about Mary's death, I was first off, so sad that I wouldn't be seeing her again. But I was also so delighted to find out that she did have those very wanted children! 
I can imagine what a wonderful mother and wife she was. Your website is a lovely testament to that. We had a memorial Mass on Sunday of the reunion and Mary and 12 other classmates were remembered. God bless all of you!
Nancy (Walsh) Burlage

Approaching summer 2018. Days of going to the "Jersey Shore." Still not the same without your smile.
Casey in Colorado and Nik in South Pacific. Time passes, but memories of our good times do not.

On this day, I think of one of Shakespeare's sonnets to describe Mary.

Shy love, I think of you
As the morning air brushes the window pane,
And how much time of all it takes to know
The movement of your arm, the steps you take,
The curves along your head, your ears, your hair.
For all of this, each hand, each finger,
Each lip, each breath, each sigh,
Each word and sound of voice or tongue,
I would require an age to contemplate.

Thank you, Scott.

Prayers for Don and the Boys

It is getting closer to Mary's birthday. This time of year brings both joy and sadness to my heart at the same time (is that posssible?). The thoughts that go through my head every year around this time vary. In 2018, I seem to be fixating a great deal on the many times that I disappointed or simply failed her. The younger Don was not always a noble person and was often thoughtless, particularly insensitive to many of Mary's needs. Going forward, I will strive to follow the examples that Mary set for being caring, selfless and wise. Thank you Mary, for making me a better person. I will never forget you.

Easter 2017. Although she is no longer on earth, I feel her presence strongest on days like this. God bless you, Mary.

Mary was a very special person and friend. May God Bless Don and the Boys.

You would have been 67 this month. We all miss you still.Time has no effect on love if that love is true. The phrase "Until death do us part" does not apply to us. That bond travels beyond death. We will always be together.

Just past our 29th wedding anniversary. It doesn't seem so long ago. I am likely the only one who visits this site any more. But, in a way, I feel I am visiting you, as you have visited me. Thank you , Mary for standing by me at all times, especially when I was at my weakest.

Romeo and Juliet

Death lies on her like an untimely frost
Upon the sweetest flower of all the field.
(Act IV, Scene V, Line 24)

Time moves on, but you are still fresh in my heart. Our sons have grown into fine young men, both doing want you wanted them to do - serve others in some way. They are so lucky to have had a dedicated and caring mother like you.

On this, her birthday, all my attention today is on Mary. She would light up any room she walked into. Her laugh was precious. Her demeanor was always positive and uplifting. She was a person I will never forget.She was Mary Isabelle Mullin.

Anniversary day getting closer. Marriage should have been sooner but I always seemed to say or do the wrong things. I don't blame you for putting it off for so long. I wish I had done things differently and understood the meaning of your silences. Now you have been silent for over three years, yet I still hear your voice in my dreams.

Thank you for finally accepting me as your husband. You brought such joy into my life. There will never be another Mary Isabelle Mullin.

Mary, we all still miss you. It has been three years since you left us. Yet, you have come back to us in many ways. The memory of you lives strong. God bless you.

To Mary:

The weather is cold and snowy. But, your warmth of you stays with me. You could always make the darkest days bright. You are and always will be my shining light.

Time marches on, but my love for you stands still. One would think that memories would fade. For me, they do not, they only become more vivid. I think of you every day, many times a day, especially during the holiday season.To think that you were burdened with my failings over the years. I understand your early conflict about marrying me, and am thankful you changed your mind. I cannot imagine life without you by my side during those years. Now I have to accept that reality from this point forward. It is difficult.

I miss your eyes, your face, your smile. You come to me in dreams. You know I have been struggling through this holiday season. My dream last night was simple. It was of you and me viewing a grassy plain with a light shower above, lightly sprinkling the blades of grass below. You pointed out how soothing and tranquil that scene was and sighed how delighted with life you were. You remarked how I should relax and simply take in this scene. I truly believe this was your subtle Christmas present to me. Thank you, my love. Merry Christmas to you, Mary.

Two years. It seems like yesterday. Move on, they say. Move forward, yes. Move on? Never. Love lasts.

What She Left Behind
Maybe it was by design or maybe not, but Mary left treasures behind that were discovered long after she left. Now, close to two years after she departed us, I still find precious things she left behind. Mary was meticulous in recording events day by day, going many years back. In the process of doing some cleaning in our home, I came across some of these records. The writings tell much about Mary. They shed light upon her wonderful soul and help reveal what was important to her. Things like summer camp at age 12 with her sister Anne. Things like the enjoyment of seeing the film “Easy Rider” with her brother, John. Little things, that were obviously important to her. Her pet peeves came out too, much to my delight (people who give unsolicited advice..etc..). What also stands out is her love of poetry. I never realized she dabbled in creating short poems. I went through many, but this one got to me. I think I know what it is about. The date is 1994.

Four Lives, One Love

Two lives, one love,
Lives, now whole for both,
Add one, changes all,
Three lives for love to share,
One more, now it’s four,
Love’s abound,
And, happiness is all around
Four lives, one love

Mary I. Mullin

The three of us miss you, Mary. God bless you.

The holiday season is here and it is closing in on 2 years since Mary has gone. My love for Mary continues. She was a remarkable person. She was totally pure and giving with a heart of gold. There are so many things I wish I had said to Mary and things I wish I had done to make her life happier. Our sons and I will always think of you and miss you. God bless you, Mary.

I worked with Mary at HCCC for many years. We would meet at the indoor track often to walk during our lunch hour. We shared many stories especially about our families. So even though I have not met Don or her two boys I feel like I know you so well. She was so proud of all you accomplished whether in was cross country, band or plans for college. She was a dear friend who I miss very much

"Mary was a remarkable person who touched the lives of many. Her kindness & ability to make others laugh provided comfort & joy for those who needed an emotional boost. Her dedication to her family, friends, & colleagues will continue to be inspiring. Above all, Mary was a true fighter who never gave up. Our loss is truly Heaven's gain. Mary thank you for making the world a better place. "

Mary was a very special person whose kindness, sense of humor and basic goodness were distinctive.  I am sure she is looking down on us with the hope that we can display similar qualities in these very difficult times. May the Lord bless her for she has done what she could.

She was a person who went out of her way to help others.  Above all, her family was most important. We all miss her.

Mary was simply a wonderful human being. She battled valiantly and was taken too soon, but she leaves a terrific family and the rest of us with loving and enduring memories of her.

I knew Mary from very early in her relationship with Don - though I only met her a few times. She indeed radiated warmth and benevolence. My wife and I were thrilled at Don's pairing. I know she was a keystone to their foundation. Mary will be with us a long, long time. That's the kind of imprint she made. God's Blessing on the family.

From the moment I met Mary, I knew she was "the one." Filled with joy and embracing life to its fullest, she radiated warmth, love and benevolence to everyone. Her laugh was unmistakable, as was her smile. Both told you the type of person she was. Her loss has left a gap that is impossible to fill. She will not be forgotten.