Not many people comment on my blog posts. One reader, though, was great about writing a short comment every now and then.
I met this reader years ago at the annual communications conference for NFPW. I was thinking I might see her at this year’s conference. Sadly, that was not the case.
At this year’s In Memoriam service her name appeared on the screen. Mary Lou Hinrichsen of Iowa was 90 years old when she died on Feb. 5, 2017. She embraced her roles as a journalist, farmer and musician. She was a former Iowa Press Women president and Communicator of Achievement.
I didn’t know she had passed away until her name was read at the service. I didn’t know her well, but when I heard her name, I realized I had lost a friend.
We always said hello at conferences and had brief conversations. I looked forward to her occasional comments on the blog.
She made my day when she did that. I doubt she knew that often she would leave her comment on the day I needed encouragement about continuing my blog.
We may not always know when or how we touch each other’s lives. Mary Lou Hinrichsen and I touched each other’s lives thousands of miles apart through a blog.
“You do a great job of keeping me up to date out here in the cornfields of Iowa on what’s going on.”
~ Mary Lou Hinrichsen
Here’s one of her comments: “Count me as a faithful reader, even when I don’t comment. You do a great job of keeping me up to date out here in the cornfields of Iowa on what’s going on.”
I always keep that image of Mary Lou out in the cornfields of Iowa in my mind as I write a post for my blog. I’ll continue to do that in her memory.
Cynthia's Communique 
That memorial service is a valuable part of our conference — and you hit on good reason why. It’s nice to remember those who have touched our lives.
Love this blog Cynthia. She was a good friend of mine and I hated to realize she would no longer go to NFPW. She was there every year. It wasn’t easy for her. She suffered serious hearing loss and was the first person I ever met that needed Assisted Listening Devices to enjoy seminar sessions. When I was president, she came to me with her struggles and from that point on we (NFPW) made sure those devices were included in our communication negotiations. She taught this old farm girl a thing or two myself. Now I provide them in any conference I direct.
Keep up the good work.
Gwen
Good blog post. Just know there’s always someone out there reading them even if they don’t post comments. As one of my mentors I always learn something from you wether it was as my team leader back in the day or via your blog. Thank you.
Thank you Renee for your kind words.
A lovely tribute. Mary Lou must be smiling.
I hope so. I miss her.