I’ve been lucky enough to know some pretty extraordinary people in my years upon this earth. Today I’d like to tell you about one in particular who has affected my life in so many wonderful ways. She has been my saviour and a beautiful example of what being a strong woman is all about. She will tell you she’s nothing special, as so many wonderful people often do, but don’t let her fool you. She is one of a kind and if you cross paths with her, you are blessed indeed. Unless of course you are on her bad side, in which case crossing her path is never a good thing.

Many years ago, more than I’d like to count or admit to, I made friends with a smiling girl in the school cafeteria. She became my best friend and my go-to person. Little did I know that when we met, I gained not only a best friend, but a second family as well. Along with her came her two brothers, her sister, and her parents. Over the years I’ve come to know them all, and they have always been there for me when I needed them. Our families have intertwined into a super-family that has always supported me and lifted me up when I fell down. Earleen, or Earl as she is lovingly called, is the matriarch of that family. She is a beautiful lady with a big smile and an even bigger heart. She has a hearty laugh that fills the room. You can’t help but laugh along with her when it comes out. She is strong and giving. She is kind, but if you cross her she will be your worst enemy. She fights fiercely for those she loves. She is a true mama bear.

Earleen has done so much for me over the years, more than I could ever repay her for. The truth is that I cannot, and that she didn’t have to, and that she never gave it a second thought. From the time her daughter and I first became friends, I spent many days and nights at their house. Even when they had little themselves, she always included me. She has fed me. She has taken me along on family outings. When I was young and things were especially tough at my own house, Santa Earl came through with gifts for me around the holidays. She bought me outfits that I loved and wore with pride, clothes that made me feel cute and special as a teenage girl struggling with her identity. When their family had a birthday party or a get together, I was always welcome whether it was at her own house or at her parents’ house. Her parents had a swimming pool in their backyard and it was always fun to hang out there with all of the extended family and get to know them over the years. All the cousins, aunts, and uncles came to know me as well. They all made me welcome. There were many shopping trips with Earl, my friend Steph, and I in the car singing at the top of our lungs. There were sleepovers at their house. Even though I sometimes laughed a little too loud late in the night, they always allowed me to come back again. They teased me as if I were one of their own, but always loved me for who I was.

When I became older and found myself pregnant with my daughter and on my own for the most part, Earleen threw me a baby shower and made sure that I had all the essentials so I’d be ready to bring my child into the world. I’d been engaged to my child’s father and when that didn’t work out, I had to quickly move out of my apartment when I was pregnant and unsure of the future. Earleen was there with a truck to help me move some furniture and curse the man who had decided he wasn’t ready to be a father. Because of Earleen and her family, my daughter had a very nice crib and high chair waiting for her. When I moved into my first house, we had no living room furniture. Earleen’s mother had a living room set in storage, and that furniture became ours. It was outdated but in terrific condition, and we were so grateful for their generosity. We laugh about that 1970’s wood and orange floral set now, but it was comfortable, it served the purpose, and it was given to me without hesitation just because I needed it. As my daughter grew, I gave them school pictures every year, and she was always hanging on the wall alongside their own grandchildren.

Many years later, as we all grew older and my own parents age began to catch up with them, Earleen stepped in to help them with whatever they needed as well. She helped both my parents get to doctor appointments by offering Earleen’s taxi service. When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, she was there throughout his illness. She accompanied my parents to doctor visits and treatments, helping them navigate wheelchairs and medical terminology and processes that were involved in the experience. She did all this of her own will and without expectation of recompense. Earleen has been like a second mother to me, and been a true friend to my entire family over the years.

This week we celebrate Mama Earl as she turns 75. I owe her so much for all she done for us. I’ve always looked up to her strength and her sense of humor. I’ve watched her give to many others too, not just to me. She is a beautiful soul, and her daughter is the apple that didn’t fall far from the tree. My best friend Steph embodies so many of her mother’s traits and is in many ways, just like her mother. Somehow it was predetermined that we should meet and that this family would become a source of comfort and love to me. I am so thankful for the presence of this woman and her entire family in my life. Some people are special. Some people stand out in a sea of people that we encounter each day. Some people make a difference in our lives and we have no idea what we would have done without them. She is a rock and a force to be reckoned with. She is a hard loving mama, a strong beautiful wife, and a friend to all. Thank you Mama Earl, for all you have given me in material things and in other ways that mean so much more. Happy birthday to you, you make 75 look fabulous!