Shirley "Mom" was the receptionist for 3 law firms when I was just a baby lawyer starting my legal career in 1973. She was known as "Mom" because she took care of everyone – the lawyers, the partners, the young paralegals, and the clients. She infused joy everyday into everyone around her. Her laugh and enthusiasm was contageous. Thirty four years later she came out of "retirement" to help us as we opened our new lawfirm in Lewisville, Texas. She took the bus and train from Dallas making 2 changes in the route to arrive precisely at 8 am. Once again, with different faces and new people around her, she transformed the hectic start of our new office into a place of comfort and smiles. The new fangled phones with voice message systems wasn't her cup of tea, but she did her job and everytime I came back from court the back of my desk chair was covered with scotch taped pink slips memoralizing who had called and when and why. The old fashioned method of doing her job was always the safest and best way for her. She continued in that vein for all the years I knew her – never missing my wife, Shelli and my birthdays and our anniversary with a cards- hand written and snail mailed with a stamp. I think the true measure of a person's life is whether a smile crosses your face when you think about their influence on your life – Shirley "Mom" brings that smile to my face and warmth to my heart. She was special – I will miss her – and the cards.