Love Is All Around Mary Tyler Moore

I had an entirely different post planned for today, but when I heard the 

news that Mary Tyler Moore passed away, I could not ignore her

passing and reflect upon the effect she had on my young life.

Mary Tyler Moore's character of Mary Richards was a very 

positive role model for young girls and young women.  Her 

level headed, spunky and sunny attitude was one that I 

certainly wanted to emulate.  Mary Richards proved to us

that a woman can handle a grumpy boss, an unprepared

newsman, and eventually the over sexed character of

Sue Ann, with grace, diplomacy and good cheer.

I have always been especially fond of the relationship between
Mary and her neighbor Rhoda.  Mary was the sweet small town girl,
and Rhoda was the bold and brash New Yorker.  Their first meeting was
when Mary went to look at the apartment Phyllis told her about.  Rhoda
insisted it should be hers, Mary stood her ground, but Rhoda knew
that Mary was a pushover, and of course, Mary being Mary, admitted
that she didn't have the guts to stand up to Rhoda.  This tiff didn't last
long because they soon realized that they could not stay mad at one
another.  Despite a shaky start, they became the closest of friends and
that relationship provided us with so many laughs and happy memories.
For me, it was the type of friendship that I would one day develop
with other women.

And of course, there was THAT apartment!  When I was young,

before the days of TiVo and DVD's, I had to watch the show so 

closely to take in every detail of the space I loved so much.  

The beautiful, large and character filled window, the beamed,

cathedral ceiling, the walls and accessories.  It was a space that

was so obviously put together with family hand me downs and

thrift store finds, yet it all worked together to create a cozy, eclectic,

and fabulous space.  I just knew I would have an apartment just

like it one day, but sadly my first apartment didn't quite live

up to that dream.  I quickly learned that architectural charm such

as this, is not easily duplicated.

The adorable tiny kitchen with the push-up window that created

an open space to share in the conversations with the steady stream of

Rhoda, Phyllis, Bess and the newsroom crew. 

Who could forget that horrible bridesmaid dress???  I still laugh so hard
every time I watch this episode.  Although Mary and Rhoda think the
dress is hideous, Mary, being Mary, tries to figure out a way to salvage
the dress and is willing to wear it for a former childhood camp friend's
wedding. Mary could never hurt anyone's feelings and was always kind
and generous, even when the dress was ugly.

I loved the episodes when Rhoda's mom, Mrs. Morgenstern came for a
visit.  Ida Morgenstern was the tiny, brash, Jewish mom from New York
who was an unforgettable, and lovable character.  Her mission in life was
to not only ensure that her daughter Rhoda got married, but that Mary
also find a husband.  She was the New Yorker, who like her daughter
Rhoda, always found something to complain about, while Mary always
encouraged them to find the silver lining.

The writing was excellent, the cast members played their roles
to perfection, and they entertained us every week.  It was and still
is, a beloved show.

In this tribute to Mary, I could go on and mention her performance
on the Dick Van Dyke show and her Oscar nominated performance
in the movie Ordinary People.  She proved to audiences that her
talent was broad and far reaching.  To me however, her role as
Mary Richards is her most memorable, as she gave young women
someone to emulate.  Mary Richards was good hearted, kind,
professional, cheerful, a true friend and a lady.  There is such a
stark contrast between Mary and the role models for young
women in the media today.  Perhaps it's just me, but it is my
hope that her values find a way of expression once again.

Mary Tyler Moore
1936 - 2017
Rest in Peace ~ You did make it after all.

Love,
Susan and Bentley