This one touch my heart - her friend Stephanie drew a love note to Mary, posted it on FB and sent balloons up into the sky.
This is a blog dedicated to my dear sister Mary who had so much to live for and so much to give ~ she gave all she had and it is all treasured now... until we see again.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Mary still Missed
This one touch my heart - her friend Stephanie drew a love note to Mary, posted it on FB and sent balloons up into the sky.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Mary Memory
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Mary's Cheer Everywhere
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Mary's Bday Gift to Me
Melissa McGee, a wonderful friend Mary met in college,they were both cheerleaders - full of love and life. Two days before Mary's 40th Birthday, Melissa reached out to me:
July 29
"Somehow I came across your name on facebook. I randomly went to Jana's website and saw your name at the top. I don't know if you remember me from Mary's wedding but I was a bridesmaid. She was also in my wedding. We were best friends at HPU and cheerleaders together.
Jana shared your website with me. It is beautiful. I cant begin to tell you my red bird stories. My husband has even had the honor to witness a few.
At HPU Mary and I would take LONG bike rides and runs together. There were some of my most cherished memories. I still go on these long walks now and I am almost ALWAYS followed by a red bird, and it follows closely.
I have attached a picture of Mary and I at my bridal shower. 18 years ago. I also posted a cheer picture on my wall. Her birthday is approaching and I wanted to let you know I am thinking and praying for you and your family."
What an incredible gift to receive ~ thank you so much Melissa for your love and for the memories you cherish. I love these pictures so much!! Our little red bird Mary ~ she is still with us....
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Mary Christmas
Jana sent me a text telling me about how Mary is helping others through her too!
Here is a picture of a FB post that a friend of Jana's shared:
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Gift of Love
Mary Memories Shared

Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Jana Finds Me

JANA:
Oh Jeni. You are anwered prayer. I know Mary guided me to you. I have only talked with Melissa. She was in contact with Mary and Brian both during the last years........I looked for Mary when I became pregnant with my son. I knew she would be so happy. All communication was lost. I found Brian on my space sent him and email and he ignored me. I knew something was wrong then. I called my mom and told her that in my heart I knew she was gone - I didn't believe it so I had an investigator run her record- it was nothing like what Melissa was told. Now the pieces fit. I have had no closure in all of this. She was my heart! I still remember the memory box that we put together for your dad for his funeral.......I love the website. Especially the m& m story. Can't tell you how many bags of those we went through. There is healing and Mary is using you to help me find my way. I have two sweet children -Morgan and Mikah. My M & M's if you will. Ive been asked many times about why both their names started wth an M. The symbolism of your story is amazing - just as they are Mary's initials. Proof she is still with me. .......God is so gracious! He knew I would need you - as did Mary. I needed the truth. All I had was fragments mixed with pain I knew Mary indured.......My heart breaks in all of this but I so need closure. I can't "let her go" without that. I love her so very much!!!
......All of this is so unimaginable. I know Mary had to feel scared and alone to do what she did. God promises a peace that passes all understanding. I am searching for that in all of this. Since I learned of her death, I have been drawn to a nearby beach. There is a peace and serenity there admist the grief. I didn't understand the significance until now - again Mary guiding me. Sitting on the dock I remember old praise and worship songs that Mary and I used to sing arm in arm as we walked around campus late in the evening. That is my favorite time at the beach. Mel and I have talked about visiting her grave. It is something I need to do-to say goodbye and hello at the same time. Odd, I know, but that is my hearts desire. The last memory I have of Mary and I is at sunday school at their church in Nederland. I remember how much we cuddled at night as we talked about our day - She loved for me to brush her hair and run my fingers through it. I always run my hands through my little boys hair. Never really realized the significance until now- silly I know but a simple tie that binds my heart to hers. Thank you for your willingnes to open your heart with me and share. It is something I so desperately needed. I will always be proud of her and the amazing friend that she was. I still have the pink comforter that we had in college to match the curtains my mom made for our room - hers was blue. I've never gotten rid of it for some strange reason. It is as soft as her hair and the blanket I use to curl up in when I need comfort - I now know why - My Mary. Again God knew what I would need before I did. She's been here the whole time. Oh Jeni. Thank you for loving me and extending your friendship in all of this. I know that makes Mary smile. It was important to me to know about Kelsey and Brett. Kelsey is a little Mary.. It was like looking at her all over again. That did my heart good. There's not enough words to convey all that I feel at this moment- just extreme joy and gratitude that you have such a loving heart like hers!!! Thank you for helping me find my way...to Mary. I can't wait to visit more.....God is teaching me that there is joy in death. Mary would love my kids! I am more conscious of her now - thank you. She knew I would need that. Mel is struggling too. Mary knew that two. The three of us spent alot of time toghether at school. I know Mary is pleased that I have found you- she alway s was my guiding light......No one will ever be good enough for them - except their aunt Jeni!!!! Makes my heart soar to know they have you! You are my blessing from Mary. I know she is smiling now. I am finidng my way. It will be a slow process but I know you are part of that healinLove the kids for me.......Cheerleading will be my way of honoring Mary's memory in my daily life. The tears will be less now- I can breathe - something I have not been able to do since learning of her death. How lucky Mary is to have you! I remember how her eyes would light up when she would talk about you and how proud she was for you and Chad! I understand why!!! What an amazing lady you are with a spirit as equally loving as Mary's. I am looking for Mary's cardinal. Here's the amazing thing- my dad loves birds and feeds constantly. When I visit I get to sit on the porch with him and listen to him talk. I loved those moments simply because they were spent with my dad.. I will look a little them a little diffferent from this point forward. She's been here all along I just didn't realize it!!! Priceless- just as God intended.

Sunday, February 6, 2011
Pastor Friend Chris

On 1/10/11 I got an e-mail from a Mary friend who had been searching for her for some time. Just another reason why I am so happy to have this blog in honor of her! To connect with the people who's life she touched - always in a positive way! I'm here to share my sisters life - so many Memories to Cherish!
Here is another friend who will miss and now cherish our Mary:
Jeni, I found you through your blog dedicated to Mary.....From about 2002-2003 I was Mary and Brian's pastor in Nederland. We had so much fun with them.....then, I had taken a church in Missouri. I tried to track both of them down...So occasionally I would just do a simple google search, but I could never find anything. Last night, on a whim, I searched again and ran across the blog. I was obviously shocked to find out what happened. I was pretty close to Brian and Mary.....Brian and I used to hang out a lot and go to movies. Mary and I even worked out together a few times in Nederland.....Mary was really special. She just had a way of making everyone around her so comfortable. I was never around her when she wasn't smiling and upbeat. I used to tease her about being addicted to exercise. I really regret losing touch with them. Chris
Thank you Chris for allowing me to share your memory here! I am my sisters memory keeper.....
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Sweet Christmas 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Another Sweet Surprise
"She was such an amazing, beautiful person with a very contagious smile and laugh and just radiated with energy. I met Mary when I was about 13 and we just clicked.....I know she loved her sisters more than anything and she talked about you all the time all good things & funny things and adored you....She does live on! She'll always hold a special place in my heart. I would love to see her program....."
"Hi Jeni....I got it! It was so beautifully pieced together. It is really a true reflection of the beautiful Mary I knew so long ago. I am still shocked and deeply saddened but so grateful I had the opportunity to know her. Her smile and laugh will stay with me forever! She touched the lives of many and was such an inspiration to all those around her to get fit and get moving! A flood of memories came to me when I saw her program. I think she would be so proud of you how graciously you've carried on and it's almost as if I can hear voice saying "Don't cry Jeni" " Don't be sad" I know she never believed in self-pity she was so strong and courageous and had just an admirable zest for life and her eye on her next challenge which always had to do with running faster or longer or further..
I love your spirit it reminds me so much of her! Please use this for your blog and I'll share with friends that knew her that may not know.
She will always be remembered! I loved her dearly!! : ) "
Lots of love,
Bonnie
These memories come straight from the heart. I can feel the love in the words. Mary was an angel on earth and the stories are proof again and again to me. If you think of Mary and a smile spreads across your face, know that she is there with you through God's grace. Blessings to you
in all that you do!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thoughts become Things... Christie appears!
Soon it was! Less than an hour later! Christie, also known as "Chris Coss" to Mary and the kids. Mary and Christie became the best of friends while Mary was a teacher and swim coach in Nederland. Mary was a positive influence in Christie's life and left many wonderful memories. Memories she has been happy to share with me and now with you. Together we have been able to reflect on how much she meant to both of us because of who she was ~ a beautiful soul on earth.
"....I think of my many memories with Mary "Coach" I can't help myself but to cry still to this day....how full of life and amazingly beautiful she really was as a person...a blessing to me and everyone else..."
"....she was helping people, probably teaching overweight women how to get a hold of their lives and eat healthy/workout. She probably helped people who were having a bad day or talked to the outcast...that was the Mary I knew and I know that she would do that no matter what. "
"....Mary (Coach), Mary M., and I we were all best friends -they were my world in Nederland."
"...overall I feel at peace knowing that she is still alive in all of our hearts.....Sometimes I will be doing something like bathing my kids and a memory out of the blue will come and I won't be able to stop thinking about it or a lot of times when we travel to different places i think of her and feel that she is with us seeing the world."
"....I loved to see the pictures of Kelsey and Brett while getting little updates... Mary would be so proud of them... they are both turning into wonderful young adults...That girl is something else. I would love to somehow read her book she wrote "Life after Leaving" I am not sure if I could or if there are any more but it would be neat. I am so proud of her and Brett too they seem to be doing so well."
Keep Blogging and stay in touch
Christie
I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me to have these memories shared with me! Thank you for caring enough to share ~ I know Mary is with us all ~ all of us who love her..... you all are the reason I have this blog.
LOVING MARY FOREVER
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Synchronicities ~Making Life Fun

Here is an example: A couple posts ago (Middle School Memory), I blogged about my sisters middle school friend Jennifer G, who found me. We share the same date that is VERY SIGNIFICANT in both our lives for the same reason. We both went to different high schools our senior year. We both went to C.S. Middle School & J.M. High School (at different times) & we were both divided by that J.M./Taft High School line. It is just crazy how and why she found me! I was completely blown away.... trying to make sense of it and then:
The same day I received that e-mail from Jennifer G, I watched a show "Mary's knows Best" on TV that night. Chad recorded it thinking I may like it. It's about this crazy Long Island Psychic/Medium and her family. I didn't end up liking the show, but the lady in the show did say one thing I needed to hear, how "if synchronicities line up through one event, its a way of telling you that you are at the right place at that time." (something like that)! I really liked that!! Something about it made sense. So........ Chad googled Sychronicities for me and found this link that blew me away with the answers that were there. http://www.askgrace.com/psychic-advice/0814-synchronicity-theories.htm.
Another thing about Jennifer G is that she seems to fit the description of the girl in my dream I had with Mary over a year ago. Mary had come to me in my dream and pointed to a girl at a table far off at the other end of the room and told me she was helping her..... I blogged about this dream on 12-29-08 -"My Dream~My Angel". (You can find it in my blog archives.)
I wanted to share all this here ~ because I feel like something incredible is going on here in my life!
I'm being guided ~ and I'm not looking for any of this....All I'm doing is being perceptive and "noticing" it all! Connections, Cardinals, Orbs and so many Signs! My eyes are being opened and looking back, I see more synchronicities. How I met Chad, how Boo came into my life, my job, Certain people in my life, even how our Honeydog came to us too! So many - so much!
Signs from above with so much Love..... I am right where I am supposed to be!
"Synchronicity happens when God wishes to remain anonymous"
Friday, September 17, 2010
Pflugerville Friend cntd.....
Receiving memories and pictures of our Mary is such a treat!
"I found this one but I know I have a few of my oldest daughter Shelby and Kelsey. This picture was taken at a hotel in Austin when Mary was in town for a swim meet, this was the last time I saw her. "
Kym
Monday, September 6, 2010
A Middle School Memory

"...I am so truly sorry for your loss. I remember Mary - how could you forget her? To be very honest with you, I was always a little jealous of her. She was so beautiful, and thin, and popular and always had a TON of friends. Even though I was jealous of her - I couldn't help but like her. She had a magnetism about her! You always wanted to be part of what ever it was that she was doing, or be on her team or in her group, because you just knew she was going to make it the best place to be!"
"This may sound extremely stupid, but I feel that her magnetism is still very much out there pulling people in! I read your ENTIRE blog (from top to bottom)."
"....I have already said numerous prayers for you and Mary. Along with those prayers I have also sent a huge thank you to Mary for whatever part she may have had in leading me to read your blog."
There is ALOT more in between, but that will be kept between Jennifer and I now. She was lead to me and I am not going to let her go :)! Mary is an Angel now ~ just as I dreamed she was.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Pflugerville Friend
"I was trying to track Mary down through Google and that's how I found out about her death. I'm so very sorry for your loss.....I have a picture of her with my daughter when she came back to visit, I love that picture.. I miss her smile."
"...We lived next door to Mary in Pflugerville at Eagle Point. She was a coach at McNeil then....She made a huge impact in my life, HUGE. I’ve had friends that I grew up with that weren’t even close to the kind of friend Mary was to me....."
"I just want you to know that every time I think of her I picture her running and jumping across my yard yelling my name when I came home.. she was always so full of energy and love......"
"....I miss her as I'm sure you understand all too well. I wish I had tried to find her before all of this happened so I could have seen or at least talked to her again...."
It was such a treat to connect with Kym! Hearing her memories and sharing them with me was a breath of fresh air ~ Mary air! Thank you Kym for contributing your love. Any friend of Mary's is a friend of mine.
Together we are LovingMaryForever.com!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Mary's 20 year HS Reunion cntd.....


We love you Ker Bear- you will always be a part of our family!!

Sunday, August 1, 2010
Mary's 20 year HS Reunion - TAFT


I have made a few friends of Mary's through FB and other connections and each one has been a sweet blessing. Classmates and old friends are finding their way to this blog of Mary Memories to Cherish. The reunion coordinator has been a sweet soul, working with me on the memorial table. I hope to hear more Mary memories. So I can share them here with you!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Mary in highschool
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Memories being shared
"Jeni, here are a few photos I found in my sr book of Mary. You may have the homecoming/prom (can't remember which it is) photo, but just in case I've attached it too. I'll send you more as I find them (or if anyone else I know comes across them - my best friend, Cindy used to live next door to you guys so she or her parents may have some).
Jenn"