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who lead us
Her love of life and her sense of humor are what University City dentist Dr. Richard Dest remembers most fondly about his mother, Barbara, who died two years ago.
“I was the oldest of three boys, and my parents named me Richard, after my father. Then came Harry. My youngest brother was a surprise, and my mom named him Tom,” said Dest. “That was for the specific purpose of her having a jingle — her biggest joy was signing the Christmas card every year, ‘Richard, Barbara and Tom, Dick and Harry.”
Dest, who opened his dental practice here in 1985 and who lived in the Wexford and Brantley Oaks neighborhoods before moving to south Charlotte, kindly responded recently to my request to share memories of his mother. The May issue of the magazine is our annual tribute to women in commemoration of Mother’s Day, and Dest’s heartfelt words about the self-sacrificing woman who always puts her family first, are a reminder that all that mothers do, indeed leave a lasting imprint.
“My mother was a very simple person. Family was paramount to her,” said Dest. “She always said, ‘Surround yourself with good people — people who love you and care for you — and everything will take care of itself. Family and friends will get you through.’”
Dick York, a U. City real estate agent with Coldwell Banker United, also passed along accolades about his wife and business partner, Kim. York said his wife is not only the mother of three boys, but also a retired educator, a school administrator. “She gives unselfishly of her time, her insight, her fairness and her heart to anyone she comes in close contact with. Kim tackles every project, every homework assignment, every family gathering with enthusiasm and attention to detail, and she gives each activity 110 percent effort.”
York explained that his wife comes from a large New England family; she grew up knowing the meaning of hard work and sacrifice for the betterment of all. Now 22 members of her extended family live in Charlotte “to be support for each other and to
provide a strong network for nieces, nephews and grandchildren,” said York. “Without women, mothers like Kim, the world would be a harder and more abstract world to live in. They provide warmth, caring, support and comfort to us all, and we are extremely
fortunate to share this planet with them.”
Motherhood has its ups and downs, joys and sorrows, triumphs and tragedies. Within this issue, we take a look at a growing trend that has moms treating themselves to an aesthetic procedure that boosts their self-esteem, as well as a new medical advancement that promises huge benefits for the thousands of women every year who must have a hysterectomy.
And meet Cathy Staskel, who, as a real estate agent with Allen Tate, has been a part of hundreds of University City families’ lives for 14 years. Read about her, beginning on page 42. As the ultimate advocate for this area, she raised four sons here and also built a sales team that prides itself on service.
What female figure has been a positive role model in your life — has held the kite string so that you could soar? Your mother, your grandmother, your aunt, a teacher, a friend? Consider saying “thank you” on May 11, a day dedicated to honoring those who nurture and inspire and lead.