Having just passed the two year anniversary of my daughters' involvement in a terrible automobile accident, I paused to reflect on how truly blessed we are to be where we are today. My children are healthy and normal (for teenagers),due in no small part to the actions and kindness of many in the Mercy community.

On that horrifying morning, a graduate of MMA,who happened to be one of my former students at the Mount, stopped to assist total strangers in a time of dire need! Susan O'Neill Lauber, and her husband Mark, showed compassion and bravery when my girls could afford nothing less! My family will be forever in their debt for what they did to help save the life of my youngest child.They gave of themselves to comfort the injured and dying, under the most trying of circumstances.

While recovering in ECMC, my daughter was cared for by talented rehab experts under the guidance of another graduate of Mount Mercy. I am ashamed to admit I remember her only as Erica, but she was kind,compassionate,and extremely professional each and every day. I have no doubt that my daughters' recovery was hastened by this outstanding young woman.

Representing my child, in some legal affairs following the accident,was yet another Mercy grad,Cheryl Meyers Buth. Cheryl is another of my former students. She was also one of the finest softball players ever to wear the Mercy uniform! Cheryl is extremely well respected in the legal community,and is known for both her knowledge of the law and her decency in dealing with others. She handled our situation exactly the way we desired,with tact and respect for everyone involved. I cannot accurately express what her representation meant to my family,as well as to all parties involved.

I am so proud of the way these "Daughters of Mercy" have turned out! They are truly living the ideals set forth by Catherine McAuley many years ago. I have no doubt that these outstanding women are merely a minute sampling of the type of individuals MMA produces through the dedication of its faculty and staff. I know that they are exactly the kind of women I want my daughters to become.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how supportive the students, faculty & staff of the Academy were in the months following the accident. There were numerous thoughtful incidents carried out daily by everyone within the walls of the school. We appreciated all of the kind prayers and deeds bestowed on us during the entire ordeal. That was amazing! That is Mercy!