November 13, 2012. Harper, Texas. Marianne Casey.

Duty is an old fashioned word.   For the past thirty years, right in front of our eyes, we have seen  duty in action.   Duty performed with love and kindness and cheerfulness.  It was a wonder to behold.  Marianne died last week at age 50 with her parents at her side.

Marianne was a younger sister of my friend Maureen, with whom I worked for 23 years.   Marianne was diagnosed with MS at age 20 and when I met her she was working full time and living the fine life although already using a cane.  She was beautiful and lively and spirited.  And she did not complain.  She worked hard to stay fit, swimming several times a week to keep her muscles active.  Her seven siblings laughed along with her efforts.  Then came the walker.  Next the friends held a Van Dance, to raise enough money for a van that would lift a wheel chair into the van so Marianne could be mobile.   The disease is terrible.  Bit by bit function ceases and you never know when.  But she never complained, always maintaining her spirit and spunk.  Her duty was to do whatever she could at every stage of the disease.    Next she was bed ridden but still smiling.

Marianne's parents took on the task of caring for Marianne.   When Marianne could no longer live alone, they took her into their home and looked after her right to the end.  No complaints, no grumbling, just did what was necessary to look after Marianne.   Their duty was to care for their beloved child Marianne.  The example of love and kindness will never be surpassed but they did it and never batted an eye.  They just did their duty and they did it cheerfully.    We will miss Marianne and we will remember with gratitude the life she led and the example of duty performed by her parents.  Again, it was a wonder to behold.