For My Mom on Her 80 Something Birthday

When Marylu Howe walks into the room she always turns heads. Her presence is commanding, awkward high heel moments are few and far between with this lady. And a lady she is, for she promotes an elegance, that many today refer to as “old school.” That Sinatra era where women were not insulted by a man opening their car door, paying for their dinner, or standing up when she left the dinner table. She delights in the party, the richness of a social circle, activities, and most of all children. Her love for the wee ones seems to have served her well all these years, helping to keep up her youthful attitude and curiosities. Rarely does she throw in the towel so to speak, her spirit is determined and has pulled her through recent health annoyances, like breaking her pelvis, her ankle, and that silly cataract surgery- I mean really when you are Marylu – who can be bothered with these silly obstacles?
Did I mention her love of fashion? She loves to go shopping for clothes and passed this on to me. My inherent taste for beautiful duds, shoes, purses, and on it goes began with mom. I adored our shopping excursions, My Darling Daughter, Cleveland (whatever that mall was- near the Ritz Carlton), and Calico Corners. How I loved rummaging through the beautiful yards of fabric to re-upholster the living room furniture. Because of mom, I pretty much like everything to be custom- designed, bespoke as they say in the UK. Even my wedding dress had to be custom- made. All of this good taste floating around my life was only enhanced by my mom. She made certain that I, too, adopted that “old- world” elegance and learned how to command a room, turn heads, and walk in 5 – inch heels.
So today we raise a glass to ML Howe, a real lady, trooper, lover of children, the arts, fashion and a good book. Here’s to many more books being read, many more glasses of wine being drunk, and many more years of love and happiness with your adoring husband, children, and grandchildren.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM— AND MANY MORE
Much love &
Stay True,
Margaret Grace