Kansas Snapshots by Gloria Freeland - July 10, 2026


Wow! Forty years

Mom’s take:

Forty years ago today, daughter Mariya was born. My three labor coaches - sister Gaila, friend Becky, and brother-in-law Kenny - my folks, and husband Jerome's folks were very supportive. I needed the help because Jerome had died from a brain aneurysm five months earlier. I hadn't been sure I wanted to live, but Mariya showed me I did.

She was 13-months-old when I met Art. The plan for our first date was a restaurant meal followed by a movie. But we talked until they kicked us out at closing. The first question I asked babysitter Laura when we returned was about Mariya's bowel movements. Art said he knew then I had my priorities straight. Mariya's well-being was number one.

Mariya called him "Aht" because she was just learning to talk. It was "Dadda" when we married the next year. He adopted her when she was going on 3.

Mariya was 6 when little sister Katie arrived. Mariya was thrilled - until Katie became mobile and started "invading" Mariya's carefully-organized bedroom. But when Katie started kindergarten, Mariya became Katie's protector. She told Katie if anyone messed with her, she would shove them into a locker and close the door. The two have been fast friends since.

It's somewhat bittersweet to see our children grow up and leave the nest, but every stage is special.

I enjoyed babyhood and watching Mariya change every day - but not the exhaustion from constant feedings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights.

I was thrilled at her budding independence in toddlerhood, yet felt a twinge when she first walked away and started testing boundaries. I cringed when she ran at full speed on a sidewalk.

Pre-school days brought art "masterpieces" and an interest in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and all-things Disney. Starting school, she became a voracious reader, especially enjoying fantasy and science fiction.

That moved on to science fairs, math contests, art shows, music, drama, sports, proms, Spanish classes, and other activities. She starred as "Granny" in the "Granny Awards" in fourth grade. She played "Amazing Grace" perfectly on the trumpet at her grandma Rita's memorial service at age 11. She tried her hand at volleyball, basketball, martial arts, and woodworking.

Before starting college, she and Art spent much of the summer renovating the upstairs apartment in the house that Jerome and I had purchased. She earned a degree in fine arts with a concentration in graphic design and a minor in women's studies at Kansas State University, working part-time to help pay her tuition. Then it was a master's degree in cultural studies while teaching in the English department, followed by working at K-State First, the university's first-year experience program.

In 2018, Mariya married Miriam, who has been an excellent partner. Miriam cooks and Mariya cleans up. Miriam knows how to find the best deals in town, and Mariya knows how to repair things. Mariya has nerdy "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars" collectibles all over their house and Miriam tolerates them. Their adopted daughter Diana couldn't have found two more natural, loving parents.

The couple couldn't be happier as they experience what we did with Mariya and Katie.


Dad’s take:

§ - "The Flash" premiered on TV at Mariya Beth’s age-4 bedtime. She loved such things and dad was in charge as mom was traveling on business. MB agreed to go to bed with no fuss after, if I let her watch.

But the promos didn't include scary scenes of things like melting faces.

MB went to bed after, but when I checked on her before turning in at 11 p.m., she was sitting up in bed, eyes as big as saucers.

She said she was fine, but I could hardly contain my laughter until I shut the door.

§ - MB always hated frilly clothes. On age-5 Easter, grandma arrived with a lacy dress for church. "Storm clouds" gathered. I called MB aside. Told her I'd pay her a buck if she put on the dress and go off to church. Clouds dispersed.

§ - I took the responsibility to get the kids out the door in time for the school bus, but it was a struggle with MB. One year as the spring semester started, I told her I'd buy the Gameboy she wanted if she was ready to leave every morning on time without me having to say anything. I learned never to dare MB unless you were willing to pay up. She still has the Gameboy.

Her uncle Dave learned that lesson too when he bet her $20 she couldn't eat a large steak.

§ - We were impressed the day MB climbed the front-yard tree and seemed to be enjoying the view - until we discovered she didn't know how to get down.

§ - When MB was 9, we were returning from Springfield, Missouri. I asked if she wanted to drive. She sat next to me and steered half the distance to Kansas City and from Lawrence to the Manhattan exit. Gloria was unsure that had been a good idea.

§ - While we were at our cottage in Northern Wisconsin, I told MB she should play outside instead of reading books. "This is my vacation too and I should be able to spend it as I want," she retorted.

True ... and I told her I agreed.

§ - As MB approached college graduation and wasn't sure what to do, I suggested teaching as an option. She's a through-and-through introvert, so she was startled I would suggest it. Now, she's teaching a class at K-State.

§ - MB had a car accident when she was in high school. She overcorrected when the tires slipped onto the soft shoulder. The call came to me at work. MB was fine, but when Gloria reached my office and read the note I’d left, she was animated. She called and my assurances did little, so I handed the phone to MB. Gloria knew she was OK when MB said, “Could you get me a Big Mac meal?”


Great memories! Happy 40th from Mom and Dad!