A Story About 3 Bear Girls

Yesterday, March 18, 2017 one of the 4 remaining Bear girls moved to her heavenly home.  Now there are 3 of us whose journey here still remains.  I would like to introduce you to Mary Louise Bear Anderson, our beloved sister. This photo is one of  her at an earlier age. She was a beauty, and I'm certain she's gorgeous now!

In keeping with true Virginia tradition, well, actually, Southern country tradition where people are often called by their first and middle name, so it was with Mary Louise.  And as family's often do, it was further shortened to Mary Lou.  And don't pass this on, because it's really "country",  but often those who were family just called her Mer Lou! 

( Mer pronounced like "her.") 

                                                                               

Mary Lou was fun, funny and feisty and could definitely be the life of the party in everyday situations. She was well loved by most, and before she left, a number of those who helped care for her at the facility where she lived went to her room to tell her so not long before she passed. 

One of the two sisters who were always there for her and did all they could to help Mary Louise gives some insight into her last difficult years as well as expressing the true heartfelt praise and thanksgiving each us feel toward our Heavenly Father for His ever present grace during this journey. 

Thoughts of:

Joanne Mullins

March 18, 2017 

GRIEVING AND PRAISING

I grieve today for a sister that I knew before February of 2011. That is the year that a dreaded mind altering disease called Alzheimer’s took her away from us. Alzheimer’s took away recognition of her family and friends, the ability to have a conversation, and even the concept of time.

I grieve today for a sister that was very out-going, a sister who loved to talk on the telephone, and who dearly loved music, playing her guitar and singing. I grieve for days of going to lunch with Mary Lou and Frances that were filled with sisterly laughter. I grieve for the days visiting antique shops and playing a game of cards, also taking long day trips to the mountains to visit family and friends.

Today I want to praise, and thank our Heavenly Father for taking Mary Louise, my sister to an eternal rest. So today, when I said my final goodbye, I let my grief turn to praising and thankfulness in knowing that Mary Louise Anderson is at peace and whole again, safe in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

I will love you and miss you Mary Lou until we meet again.                                        

Here are the 3 Bear Girls this little story is all about. Prime examples of what love looks like and acts like when it's lived out.  Thank you, my sisters,  for all you are!

         

Pictured are Frances Arpaia, Mary Louise Anderson (center) and Joanne Mullins

Borrowing Dr. Martin Luther King's quote with one small change, will be our closing tribute to our precious Mary Lou!

Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty [she is]  free at last.