There’s an old Irish saying that goes like this, “What good is it being Irish if you don’t know that in the end the world will break your heart? My heart is broken. So many memories. I remember when I was a kid, around 12 or 13, watching in fascination as Mary Lou drew some of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen. I remember thinking how truly special she was, and admiring the artist she truly was. She painted with such texture and color and happiness. Her painting seemed to come alive right there on the canvas. She loved to draw foxes and all kinds of animals. Their eyes were so beautiful, so lifelike, sparkling with joy. That was Mary Lou. She sparkled with life and was not afraid of a good argument to express her point of view. Oh boy, she and I had many lively arguments. I was a stupid boy on the right and she was a liberated female on the left. Since those days, I have joined her on the left. I guess it's all part of being Irish. Growing up in an Irish family, there's always arguments. Always one view opposed to another view but behind all of that there is respect and love. I truly admired and respected Mary Lou's stance and defense of women's rights. She was way before her time in defending issues such as an abortion and the right of women to choose. She supported many organizations that supported women's rights and I am proud of her for standing up for what she believed. She never backed down. She was a true fighter. Mary Lou was a beautiful person, both physically and in spiritually. She had a beautiful heart. She had a beautiful mind and she had a beautiful artistic talent. I will miss her, I will miss her, I will miss her. So long Mary Lou, I am a better person for having you as a sister.
