Mari always had a vivacious personality that made her seem larger than life.

I think back on Mari’s life and I love how it seemed like when she was in the room she filled the room with spunk and spontaneity. She could always find something to do, especially when it involved things she wasn’t supposed to do.

For example, white walls were her canvas. And she wasn’t picky with the instrument to use as she used colored pencils, crayons, pens, permanent markers, regular markers. You name it. She probably used it. I actually made a video of her “art work” and posted it to YouTube (you can see it under videos). And yes I do mean the walls of our home because to Mari they must have been like big blank white pages.

I loved how her vivacious personality could fill a room. She brought joy to those around her. Who doesn’t want a little bit of joy and happiness in their lives. I thank the Lord everyday I was allowed to have been her mom as I learned so much from her and the zest for life I think many of us wish we had.