I was intrigued by the title of this piece. Your mother seems to be a no-nonsense sort. "There was a world according to Mary and that was that." That sums up a straight shooter. She really believed in the whole corporate scam thing. Sensible and not one to spend money frivolously. I'm glad she celebrated two holidays. As a mother I too appreciate an any time phone call. It need not be a special occasion. No mother wishes to lose touch with her children or be remembered only because 'corporate' says it is so. I salute your practical parent. Thanks for sharing!