| In the early 70’s, Marcine Richman posted a request on the bulletin board at the Army Corps of Engineers office in downtown Portland, Oregon, where she worked. She hoped to find someone in the Milwaukie area who could carpool with her to work.My Uncle Miles, who worked in the Corps, happened to notice the post and called Marcine. “I don’t live in your vicinity, but my sister-in-law does. Here’s her number.”Can’t you imagine the cheerful laughter when Marcine called my mother and discovered she only lived two blocks away. They teamed up the next day, just as God had planned.Marcine became a bright light in our lives. Just one smile from her made us feel like the day would be great. Whenever we faced a difficult situation, she gave us the courage we needed.Mom and Marcine continued to enjoy their chance to talk together each weekday as they drove to and from work. I felt privileged when they appointed me their chauffeur during the summer months when OSU was closed and I had a temporary job downtown.When God led me to join the Campus Crusade for Christ ministry after my graduation, Marcine and her husband, Bill, were the first ones to join my support team. Their desire to help me touched my mom.Years passed. Yet, their love and devotion to one another remained strong.Then came the unexpected. My mother fell and remained in a coma for three days before passing to her eternal home in heaven.Her absence at only 74 years of age crushed our spirits. Yet, Marcine and I developed a closer friendship, just as mom would want.Soon after our mutual loss, Marcine and I decided to treat ourselves to lunch at a favorite spot downtown. As we reminisced about mom, a desire captured my heart.“Marcine,” I said, “can I adopt you as my second mom?” Her brilliant smile appeared, along with her gentle answer: “Of course.” I believe Mom was smiling along with us.When Marcine approached her 99th birthday, nearby family as well as out-of-town ones gathered for her celebration. |
