My mother, Marion (March 27, 1917 – February 13, 2009) is my inspiration, role model, and was my best friend. She was born in a small town in the Pennsylvania coal region of Irish-Catholic heritage. Her father came to America at the age of one. Like so many at that time, he helped to support his family -- as a slate picker in the mines at age six. He was self-schooled but never without a book that I can remember. He went on to become John L. Lewis’ assistant, United Mine Workers of America, President of Mine Committee Local Union 1550, and represented the UNMW at the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions held in Paris in 1948. Both my mother and her surviving older sister inherited musical talent and inspiration from my grandmother and grandfather. Marion and her older sister attended Philadelphia Musical Academy. Mom was a concert violinist and studied under the famed Zeffrey Hahn in Philadelphia. After World War II, she relocated to Washington, DC where she met my father and worked for the United Mine Workers. She received a book from John L inscribed “To a Daughter of the Union, with my compliments and appreciation.” John L. Lewis. When I think of my mother now, I can feel her warmth and see her smile. It’s been two years since she died, just shy of her 92nd birthday. I was truly blessed with a happy childhood and to have had my mother all those years. Our home was one of warmth, laughter, security, and the neighborhood kids who gravitated each day after school for snacks, encouragement, and dinner. Mom only saw the good in people and gave everyone the benefit of doubt. Her passions were her children, my father, her friends, her cats, (Mitzie is with me now) and chocolate. She was politically correct before it was cool. Growing up in the Nation’s Capitol, we had opportunities of inter-acting with many nationalities. Mom was devout in her religious belief but had friends that spanned races, ethnicities, religions. Everyone was welcomed to our home. She celebrated the holidays, any holiday – not just the major ones and she loved to decorate. She made life fun and special. She was humble, self-sacrificing, and exuded warmth and wit. Mom, I miss you more than you can know. You are cherished. This day is YOUR’S. God Bless You, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, Susie --By Susan Sacirbey Face Book at "Diplomat Artist" & "Diplomatically Incorrect" Twitter - DiplomaticallyX Film Reports to Celebrate the Day and Motherhood: “Daughter & Mother/Haiti” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/daughter-motherhaiti/23958 “Mali, New Energy – Old Vibrancy” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/mali-new-energy-old-vibrancy/24018 “Theee Oldest Voter” At 115 years of age, South Sudan’s Oldest Voter diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/theee-oldest-voter/24004 “India Maternal Health” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/india-maternal-health/20145 “Maternal Child Care/Uzbekistan” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/maternalchild-care-uzbekistan/23472