A Stroh goes quietly- I remember my mom.

[always a falcon]

My mom, Mary Lu Stroh died today. I post this not for sympathy, but in thanks to BGSU.

My mom had terminal brain cancer. In February of this year they gave her 2 months to live. One of her main goals was to be able to come to the Stroh Center announcement and games that day. Many people at BGSU went out of their way to accommodate her.

Denise Van DeWalle let her use the V-Ball lounge to sleep and relax. And had players to get anything she needed. Louis Orr opened his office area and his heart to her and she got to go in the locker room after the defeat of Kent. My little mom in her wheel chair and the men's basketball team. She talked about that for days.

Curt Miller and his team high fiving and embracing her. And coming up to support them during the announcement, even with a game to play very soon. And all the athletic department people who went out of their way to make sure her day was special. And of course, Drs. Ribeau who have always been great friends to her.

She saw one more women's game after that and then was pretty much confined to the house. But that day from the reaction of the fans, to the teams, and support people, my mom had one of the greatest days of her life, which she knew was soon ending.

Much has been written about my Dad, Kerm. He is a huge presence, But behind every man truly is a great woman and we lost one today.

She never had the opportunity to go to college but loved BGSU and everything it stands for. She was proud of us for going there and proud of her Grandsons. She LOVED BGSU sports with a passion. We will bury her in Orange on Wednesday.

She persevered knowing that she had very little time. She kept on living and learning until the end.

That is all we can expect from our athletes. That they persevere to the end of the contest against all odds. Learn from their mistakes and victories every day, and live each day and each play to the fullest of their potential.

Not a bad idea for all of us.

[TG1996]

She never had the opportunity to go to college but loved BGSU and everything it stands for.

So would that be "Never a Falcon, Always a Falcon"? Just checking.

My thoughts and condolences to your family, but most importantly, thanks to your mom and family for setting an example the whole flock can learn from.

[Peregrinner]

I know your post said it was not for sympathy, but I will express mine nonetheless.

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss, but I am eternally grateful for all that your entire family has contributed to the University and all those who love it.

I was glad to have been able to be there for the halftime announcements of the Stroh Center gift and to see how happy she and Kerm were. The total weight of the gift and announcement had not hit me until that point.

Once again, I extend my sympathy and appreciation to you and your entire family in this time. You will all be in my thoughts.

[jpfalcon09]

Thoughts and prayers to your family, AAF.

My parents are the same way, having two boys go through BG while never attending college. They were long time UT supporters because of their proximity to Toledo, but quickly donned the orange and brown.

AAF, thanks for sharing your mom's story with us all. We can all learn from someone like her who was strong willed and lived her life until the last possible moment. Those are the truly special people in the world who don't let an illness deter their view on life.

Your mother sounds like a great person. I use the present tense purposely because her story is one that has already provided me inspiration, I've just come off a nasty break up where it feels like everything has crumbled down. Your story about your mom made me realize that there are better and finer things in life to enjoy, and through that I will focus on those aspects.

God bless you, your family and your mom.

[ZiggyZoomba]

"Our parents make us who we are..."

Thanks for sharing some of those great memories, Tracey... I'm going to move this to the basketball forum per your message to me. I think it's appropriate anywhere, but I think she'd like to have it there.

[Class of 61]

Tracey, Having lost my first wife to brain cancer 14 yrs. ago, I know how hard it is on the entire family to see someone you love slowly fade away. You're right in that the BGSU "family" has lost one of its finest members. Our prayers are with you and your whole family at this sad time.

[Flipper]

AAF...thank you. I know this is a very sad day but I appreciate you allowing us to join you in celebrating your mom's life as a member of the BG community. She sounds like a wonderful person and you are every bit the reflection of that....

[Swaggy]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and to your family during this difficult time. It was my honor to meet your mom at the Stroh Center announcement I was one of those volleyball players who was hanging around. I was so moved by your parents and I felt so blessed that I had the opportunity to chat with both of them. As a BG athlete I love nothing more than getting to meet other people who love this school and its sports teams! Their love for one another and for our school was so obvious during that day. Through their passion and generosity the careers of all future BGSU athletes has been changed forever. I hope someday I can have the kind of marriage, life and legacy they both were blessed to have. On behalf of the athletes of BGSU our hearts go out to you!!

By the way you were right this is the perfect concept and your mom is the perfect example.

"That is all we can expect from our athletes. That they persevere to the end of the contest against all odds. Learn from their mistakes and victories every day, and live each day and each play to the fullest of their potential."

[Falconfreak90]

AAF,

I also would like to pass on condolances for the passing of your mom. Thank you for sharing...and may God bless and comfort you and your family during this time. Your parents are truly amazing...

[Falcon Fanatic]

Our thoughts are with the Stroh family too. We, especially can appreciate what you are going through. We spent a week watching my father-in-law slowly pass on to a better place; where he is free from pain and the confusion of Alzheimer’s and other age related issues. Please take comfort in the thoughts and prayers of others. I know we have. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

[Jacobs4Heisman]

BG is a far better place because of your family. Not a bad way to be remembered. Condolences, and thank you.

[Bleeding Orange]

Tracey, I just saw this, and I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was such a wonderful woman, and I consider it a true privilege to have had the opportunity to meet her. I know you weren't seeking sympathy by passing on this news, but please know that you and your entire family have it, and more. Kerm and Mary Lou are truly two noteworthy inspirations, and the way that she conducted her final months were no exception.

May God rest her and reward her for a life very well lived.

[hammb]

My condolences as well. She may have never went to BG, but I'd say we lost a great Falcon.

[BgWaRrIoR]

Reading that story takes my falcon pride to a whole new level, which is saying alot. I dont believe many people will ever fully understand what your mother meant to BGSU. She has influenced so many lives here. She is truely "forever a falcon". My condolences.

[always a falcon]

Thank you. Interesting that you found that and responded 5 months to the day of her burial.
We miss her every day.