Roots and wings

Mike Yarnell (September 10, 1944)

Note:  Today's post was written by our very first guest author, Tia. 

Mike is 62 year old today - how do you say, Social Security Eligible!

        Mike in 1946, in college, 2006 

Mike is a guy who

LOVES his children -sound familiar, everyone?

Had his first job delivering newspapers – sound familiar, Glenn?

LOVES academics - sound familiar, Sarah?

is a "techno-geek"- sound familiar, Jake?

LOVES his work – sound familiar, Jason?

Some of Mike's rules of the road:

"Do what you love and the money will follow."

"Often wrong, but never in doubt."

"Treat school like a full time job".

"Happiness is all around you, you just have to let it in."

Oh, and by the way, back to the social security retirement thing...

He is more turned on by work than ever. Professor Yarnell, Legal Mediator and Arbitrator, Special Projects to the Dean of the Phoenix Law School. His efforts go towards the entrepreneurial success of the first accredited "for profit" law school in the country.

His hugs are beautiful, his integrity is utmost, and his love is unconditional. What a guy!

He has my love, my total admiration, and my awe. Happy Birthday, Mike!

Love,

Tia

Happy 38th Anniversary

Renny Renshaw and Mary Ellen Lumianski were married on August 31, 1968 in East Lansing, Michigan.

They met when Mary Ellen was buying a bicycle at Sears.  Renny was her "credit account executive".   He had returned to Michigan State Univsersity to finish college after a 4 year term in the Air Force.  Mary Ellen had just returned to East Lansing to attend Michigan State University.   She had been abroad for several year with her parents who were serving in the Peace Corps in Africa.  (Note:  the Lumianskis were pioneer Peace Corps volunteers.   The first group went to Africa in August, 1961).

It was a beautiful wedding.  Here are some memory snippets.

• The entire Renshaw family drove to East Lansing from Westport, Connecticut, caravanning in serveral cars.  We camped one night.  Whose idea was that?
• We quickly discovered the "simpatico" between the families.  The Renshaws knew that it was the beginning of a long, beautiful relationship when the entire Lumianski family - knowingly - joined in on "so and so is a pig" game at the rehearsal dinner.
• Bob Lumianski was on an active Michigan State recruiting campaign, quizzing everyone under the age of 18 about their intentions for college. 
• Eleanor Lumianski was a wonderful mother of the bride.  She knew just what she wanted when she cautioned the musicians at the rehearsal to play more slowly.  "I have only one daughter.  I want this wedding to last as long as it can!"

Click on comments below to add your memories  or best wishes - for Renny and Mary Ellen.