Sharing photos from our last girls’ night together on May 22. We went to dinner at Barolo’s, followed by dessert at Bibliophiles. Looking back, I’m so thankful we captured these moments. They will forever remind me of your beautiful smile, your contagious laughter, and the way you embraced every minute of life.

The number 22 has always been special to me. It’s my birthday, my angel number, and over the years it’s become a quiet reminder to notice life’s blessings.

On May 22, we were downtown together for a girls’ dinner at Barolo’s, followed by dessert at Bibliophiles—your idea because you wanted to support the new local bakery. That was so you. Always cheering people on. Always supporting local. Always finding another reason to gather people together. It was another evening filled with laughter, conversation, and making memories that I thought we’d have years to keep adding to.

Then, on the 22nd of this month, while so many of us were praying, loving you, and hoping for a miracle, you were preparing for your entrance into Heaven. Those two dates will forever be connected in my heart.

Since getting your text the Wednesday before saying you weren’t feeling well and wouldn’t make it to your hair appointment, I just kept thinking we’d find another day. We’d reschedule, catch up, laugh, and pick up right where we left off.

As the days passed, I kept checking in, wondering why I wasn’t hearing back. Then on Saturday, John messaged me to tell me you were on life support after a blood clot. My heart sank.

Yesterday.. One week after your text, on Wednesday morning, I learned that you had taken your last breath the night before.

By Wednesday evening, I found myself gathering little things that reminded me of you and things I knew would bring comfort to the people you loved most. Blue silk flowers because blue was your favorite color—and silk flowers because they would be safe for your sweet kitties. A couple of toys for them because I knew how much you adored them. A sympathy card, with the right words. And, of course, a Chick-fil-A tray of “nugs,” just as you always called them, along with fresh fruit and food that accommodated Casey’s dietary needs—because that’s exactly what you would have been thinking about. Even in my grief, I found myself loving your family the way you always did.

Today, Johnny and I leave for our anniversary vacation. It’s bittersweet knowing you’ll be on my heart the entire time. We’ll be home in time for your celebration of life, and I wouldn’t want to miss honoring such a beautiful life.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how our friendship began. Right after John started working at Salina Regional, he came into Thiessen-Elise for a haircut. Johnny and I both remember thinking what a kind, genuine, and interesting man he was. Then we met you… and it all made sense. We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect match. You two balanced each other so beautifully. It always made me smile because Johnny and I are opposites too, and I think that’s one of the many things we connected over.

Our friendship unfolded so naturally. Before long, you were sitting in my salon chair, and somewhere along the way you became so much more than a client—you became a dear friend.

We pretty well became friends immediately. I loved how you pursued our friendship. You never made me wonder where I stood—you simply invited me in. That’s who you were. You made people feel welcome, included, and valued.

You were forever young at heart. Always dreaming up the next girls’ night, wanting to try a new restaurant, supporting a local business, planning adventures, or inviting me on a girls’ trip to Hilton Head. You embraced life with joy, and you made everyone around you want to embrace it too.

Mary was simply unforgettable.

She never just walked into a room—she made an entrance. Arms stretched wide, always ready for a hug. A smile that could light up the room. Big energy. A contagious laugh. You made people feel like they mattered. You loved people deeply, and you loved them loudly.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve shared so many memories that I’ll treasure forever. Our first big girls’ night at the Bath Pub. Celebrating your birthday with indoor golf. Dinners with you and John alongside Johnny and I. More than one evening enjoying the symphony together. Every moment felt special because we were together.

What I hope John, Alex & Casey, Maddie, and Liv & Meg always know is this… you talked about them all the time. You celebrated them, prayed for them, worried about them because you loved them so deeply, and found every opportunity to tell stories about them. Your family wasn’t just part of your life—they were your greatest joy.

You were also one of the most thoughtful friends I’ve ever known. Your messages always seemed to arrive at exactly the right time. Full of encouragement, kindness, prayers, and love. Those texts have become treasures that I’ll hold onto forever.

Alex, thank you for planning to continue coming to me for your haircuts. It means more than I can put into words. In a small but meaningful way, it will help me feel connected to your mom, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Some people leave memories. Mary left a way of living.

Take the trip. Eat the dessert. Support the local bakery. Capture the photo. Give the hug. Tell your people how much you love them.

That’s exactly how you lived.

Thank you, Mary, for every hug with your arms wide open, every laugh, every encouraging message, every dinner, every adventure, every memory, and every reminder to love people so well.

Every time I see 22, and every time I see the color blue, I’ll think of you. I’ll smile through the tears, thank God for the gift of your friendship, and remember a woman whose love reached far beyond what she’ll probably ever know.

Until we meet again, my sweet friend. 💙

Stay Rosy, Amber 🤍🤟

#TheresJustSomethinBoutMary 😘