Ruth Tishmack

I met Mariel 6 years ago after I moved to Minnesota to be closer to my grandchildren and family. Mariel and my daughter were good friends. I was a public school teacher for 23 years.  After retiring, I moved to Minnesota where I got involved with my church and volunteered to teach with their MOMS program. MOMS is an acronym for "Making Our Mothering Significant", and mothers of all ages would gather together to listen to various speakers and to encourage each other in their faith and motherhood. I had the privilege of teaching Mariel's daughter in the MOMS class, and she was a joy to work with. Her daughter was kind, patient, and caring, just like her mom. The interactions I have seen between Mariel and her children have always been that of a patient mom with genuine care and kindness. As a public school teacher, I have worked with children and parents from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. I've seen parents who were very involved in the lives of their children, and those who sadly were not.  During this time in the public school system, if I thought for even a second that a child was in danger, this was required to be reported to the state. I see no such signs here. From both a professional and personal standpoint, I can tell you that Mariel loves her children. She is a wonderful mother, patient and kind. Her children have learned to be the precious darlings they are because they are like their mother. Today, Mariel's four children are dear friends with my grandchildren. I can tell you that my daughter and son-in-law are very particular about who they let their kids play with, safety and moral excellence being of primary concern. They trust Mariel.  My grandchildren trust Mariel. I trust Mariel. May God vindicate this precious mother and keep her family together.