BlackWilliams50Plus

If you were blessed with a college mom, a woman who showered you with much needed kindness and care while you were at Williams, then you know how wonderful it is to honor her, especially on Mother’s Day. As for me, I had but one college mom, Mrs. Hayling, mother of my dorm-mate, Les Hayling, Jr. ’78, and wife to Dr. Leslie A. Hayling, Sr., or Big Daddy, as his friends used to call him.

Whenever I think back to my freshmen and sophomore years, I like to reflect upon the warmth and kindness I received from the Haylings during visits to the campus, or whenever I visited Les at the family’s home on Martha’s Vineyard.

My fondest Vineyard memory is the time Mrs. Hayling prepared a marvelous breakfast featuring the most incredibly delicious serving of blue fish one can imagine. It was an amazing New England treat — one that satisfied both the soul and belly of this Chicago kid.

The Haylings’ summer home was frequently graced with friends; and while Les’ parents enjoyed their adult house guests, Mrs. Hayling always made sure Les and his friends had everything needed for an enjoyable stay.

It’s funny how a welcoming smile, a warm embrace, a lovely guest room and a string of delicious meals can stay with a person their whole life.

I was blessed to have had Les Hayling as a dorm-mate and to have experienced so  so much generosity from his parents at such an impressionable age.

God bless you, Mrs. Hayling. I will go to my grave thankful for the joy-filled times on the Vineyard … and for the amazing blue fish.

Happy Mother’s Day to All the Mothers who touched the hearts of those affiliated with Williams College.