There's a little less light in the world

This year has seen the passing of two significant people in suburban Chicago. Earlier this year, John Kelley, a prominent attorney, passed away after a long, successful life and brief illness. I was able to attend his wake and witness the overwhelming love and admiration he earned over decades serving his family, community and friends. His progeny engender his legacy and positively influence their friends and community.

Another significant life passed this week after a long illness. Her name was Rosemary Mullin, or Rosie, appropriate since she was optimistic, encouraging and sunny. She was a mother, but no ordinary mother.

She was a person who exuded and exemplified kindness and giving and selflessness. Raising eight children in a 1950s Hoffman Estates cooking cutter ranch style home is not unique, but the way she did it was. Large families and little space can beget pressures on parents that inextricably germinate in children. We all seem to have lived on Dysfunction Lane for some part of our childhood. Yet, to wander unannounced into her home would find her working to keep the family going and growing, greet you like you belonged there and ask how you're doing.

But her real contribution is the enormity of her character. A mother's success is measured by the impact her offspring have on the world. In this, Rose Mullin had virtually no peer. Her family is giving, caring and such a positive force in this world that to be considered a friend of the Mullin family is like a badge of honor, to be displayed as ostentatiously as possible.

Her life has truly changed the world we live in through her children, their giving, selflessness, their teaching, humor and joy.

She will be missed, but only until you meet another Mullin.

Frank Kotre

Parker, Colo.