She saw that lived-out in her mother and now I see it lived out in her. Thank you for everything you do for children and our family, Meredith.

Mary Sue Martin - 1945-2008

The name “Doodle Britches” was the name my mother-in-law Mary Sue Martin occasionally called people whose names she either didn’t know or couldn’t remember. Like, “Oh, you know, Doodle Britches over there. He’s got ants in his pants.” or “Doodle Britches at the post office. He’s such a nice gentleman.”

When I heard it for the first time, I realized what a special part of Mary Sue it was that could come up with such a fun expression. I don’t know if it was something she learned from family or friends, or if it was unique to her. I wish I did. I’ve still never heard it used by anybody else. Hearing it gave me a glimpse into something I hadn’t seen clearly before, a playful side of Mary Sue that didn’t always get a chance to shine.

There is a part of me that hopes there was a day when Meredith and I were first dating that Mary Sue watched as we drove away back to Fayetteville and said, “I hope Meredith and Doodle Britches calls when they get back.”

There are not many ways I feel I can honor her life to the extent it deserves. Hopefully this blog, in one small way or another, will reflect a small portion of the indomitable good will, hope, and faith that was central to Mary Sue’s character.