Cherish

My parents' love story inspired many people during their 57-year marriage. For 46 of those years, Mary Lou used a wheelchair, and Richard was her devoted caregiver.

My mom was paralyzed from polio at the age of 31, regaining only partial use of her right arm. That was when she became "A Sittin' Mommy" and continued to raise her five children and run her home as a quadriplegic.

Even in retirement, Dad never saw Mom's daily care as a burden. To him it was simply the price of having her, his primary joy, in his life. Together, they lived by the motto "every day is a beautiful day," no matter what life threw at them, like children or family dramas.

"Cherish" frames their years, events and days. My objective in sharing is to give you the chance to enjoy your life more and get a peek at two very human saints.

My mom and Dad had a marriage that was so supportive and adorable I'd almost welcome total paralysis to feel it for a moment.

But they also raised me not to be stupid; any morning I can roll out of bed, stand up and walk is a good day. It is a continuing journey to hold true to what I know is possible.