[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 50 (Friday, April 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E751-E752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MARIE SMITH TURNS 50

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2005

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, Marie Smith, my dear wife of 27 
years and mother of our four wonderful children, turns 50 on Monday, 
April 25.
  And although I've known, deeply loved and cherished Marie for more 
than three decades, I find that mere words are inadequate to convey 
just how remarkable, unique and special she is.
  She's amazing.
  Marie Smith is a strong woman of abiding faith in Christ, rock solid 
character, generosity and goodness. She radiates the love and 
compassion of Christ to family, friends and strangers alike with a 
gentle piety and grace. She has class and self-confidence yet is humble 
and extremely kind. She always looks out for the underdog--especially a 
child left behind.
  Marie has a great sense of humor and always makes people feel at ease 
and welcome. I just love the way she laughs and smiles. She is my best 
friend--and I love her so.
  Marie and I met in 1974 at a prayer meeting at college. For me, it 
was love at first sight. For her, well, it took a while. We worked on 
pro-life issues--she eventually became president of the organization--
and early on recognized the life changing core value found in Matthew's 
Gospel, the 25th chapter, when Jesus said ``Whatsoever you do to the 
least of My brethren, you do unto Me.'' We grew to understand that God 
Himself identified with--was one with--anyone, anywhere who was weak, 
vulnerable, unwanted or disenfranchised. That meant unborn babies 
killed by abortion, their moms, the hungry, trafficked women, the 
homeless, disabled and sick persons and others who are being exploited 
or are at risk. That meant all of the ``least'' were all of infinite 
value and worth to God. It revolutionized our private and public lives.
  An honor student in both high school and college and a voracious 
reader, Marie is very smart and has that rare quality that enables her 
to grasp, understand and solve complex problems. She often ``sleeps on 
a problem'' and awakes in the morning with the answer. She is very 
creative and effectively thinks both inside and outside the box. Her 
advice and counsel over the years have been priceless.
  In the early years, Marie worked as a first grade teacher at St. 
Hedwig's School in Trenton and thrived on it before devoting herself 
fulltime to the upbringing of our kids. Today, she works for Feminists 
for Life and pours herself into efforts to protect women and children 
from violence and cruelty.
  Our two girls and two boys richly benefited from Marie's warmth, 
kindness and dedication. She was always there for them. Always. 
Melissa, Chris, Mike and Elyse always knew--and know--beyond a shadow 
of a doubt that they were number one in her life--our lives--and that 
there were no favorites in our household.
  Marie is the quintessential multi-tasker--teacher, nurse, chef and 
homework checker as well as soccer, baseball, lacrosse and basketball 
Mom.
  Our kids have always known, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are 
much loved, much wanted, much cared for and much prayed for. It is both 
a comfort and encouragement to know that Marie intercedes for and gives 
thanks to the Lord unceasingly for our family and our friends.
  Our kids greatly value and appreciate their mother, and I now defer 
to them to elaborate:

       This April 25th, I am so happy to celebrate my mom's 50th 
     birthday. The world is certainly a better place because of 
     her! Mom has been the steady rock in my and my siblings' 
     lives--always there with an answer, suggestion, open ear, 
     love and support. She sincerely mourns our disappointments 
     and enthusiastically celebrates our accomplishments. Mom has 
     helped me find my way through the many choices and challenges 
     that are inevitable in the formative years, and as a married 
     adult now, I still often seek her advice, and will continue 
     to do so.
       Mom's ``can-do'' outlook makes anything possible, whether 
     it's a stubborn word problem, science fair project, search 
     for the perfect prom dress, or wedding centerpieces. She 
     always poses thoughtful suggestions and selflessly offers 
     help until the task is done or the decision is made. Her 
     patience and flexibility are unceasing, or at least always 
     seem to be!
       Mom brings special touches into everyday life--notes in 
     lunches, candy found in a suitcase while traveling, favorite 
     treats for no reason, and thoughtful unexpected gestures that 
     remind me just how much she really knows me. Holidays and 
     special occasions are always made extra special, the 
     essential part being that the family is together. I have 
     learned from my mom the value of family, and the importance 
     of unconditional love and total faith in Christ.
       In our house my mom had a sign that read, ``Home is where 
     the heart is.'' And while I love the house I grew up in, I 
     know that ``home'' will always be where Mom is--for

[[Page E752]]

     she is the heart of our family.--Melissa Smith Clement.
       The way Mom tucked me in at night always brought pleasant 
     dreams.
       On waking, my groggy head would hear her laughter and 
     wonder, ``How is anyone so joyful in the morning?''
       Throughout the day I would watch her with affection. Her 
     love went into even the simplest of things. I was always 
     moved by the tenderness with which she read a book, folded a 
     shirt, or made a sandwich.
       Now when I hear her laugh, it conveys her innocence; the 
     years must make her younger. Do you see the confidence in her 
     stride? The years must make her wiser. Judging by the length 
     of her smile, her heart must be growing bigger.
       I celebrate my mom on this day in April, celebrate my mom 
     every day.--Chris Smith.
       The most reliable and compassionate. The most outgoing and 
     joyous. My mother is more than I could ask for. She has 
     always given everything she possibly could without a second 
     thought. She has always gone above and beyond to show her 
     love for my siblings and me. I love her so much and wish her 
     a happy birthday!--Mike Smith.
       This week, we will be celebrating the 50th birthday of my 
     mom. For 50 years she has brought love and joy to each person 
     she has met, most especially her family. Her gentle kindness 
     and patient understanding communicates her deep love for her 
     family. She does not just take care of our family physically, 
     but spiritually and emotionally. I cannot count how many 
     times she was the shoulder to cry on when one of us kids had 
     a bad day, or how many words of praise she showered us with 
     when we did well in school or in sports. She is always there 
     with words to guide us in our lives and in our faith.
       As I have grown older, I have come to realize what an 
     intelligent, wise and loving woman Mom is. Each day she gives 
     of herself for our family and sets an example for us a 
     Christ-centered life. She inspires us to turn to God and 
     trust in His care. Mom is not afraid to stand up for her 
     beliefs, and she has dedicated her life to living the Gospel 
     of Christ. It is impossible to adequately describe the love 
     and care which Mom selflessly gives each day. I feel 
     sincerely blessed to call such a wonderful woman ``mom'' and 
     I pray that she will have many more birthdays in the years to 
     come. I love you Mom!--Elyse Smith.