LIFE IS ALWAYS FILLING
by Pennie Hunt
Marion is an eccentric combination of Annie Oakley, Gloria Steinem, and Shirley Temple.
Like Annie Oakley, Marion understood tough times and learned to work hard in order to become financially successful.
In the 1860’s Annie, changed ideas about the abilities of women. A century later, Marion did the same.
Both had the courage to prove that a woman could stand her ground in the world that men controlled.
Marion, a single, teenage mom with an 8th-grade education began waitressing in a small cafe bringing tips home to provide for her infant son and mother.
Over the years she gained her PhD in the ways of life eventually purchasing the cafe, bars, supper clubs, and even a construction company.
Like Gloria Steinem, she was not afraid to speak up and voice her opinion -even when it was unpopular.
She continues to be a strong advocate for women and doesn’t shy away from a discussion about her political views.
I’ve seen Marion lock in a business deal during dinner, strongly expressing her opinion about the details of the agreement and then, just as easily changes her composure, blinks her flirty eyes, and giggles with the impish playfulness of a young Shirley Temple.
Marion is a force to be noticed.
Marion is my mother-in-law.
I delight in listening to the stories of her younger years when purchasing property was done with a handshake and over-bearing men were no match for her.
She tells of how she has made money, lost money, felt success, and experienced desperate times.
It was during one of these stories that I heard her make this profound comment,
“I never really looked at my glass as half full or half empty.
I always thought my glass was filling up!”
That statement should be on T-shirts, coffee mugs, and tattoos!
