Love, Stephanie, Michael, Dylan, and Shannon

Michael and I first met Michelle when she was an intern at Chincoteague NWR in 1996 maybe 1995?? We both worked at the refuge and she was instantly endeared to our hearts. She was a vegan, she shared our love of all things wild and she loved Bob Dylan! I remember a little sparrow she was rehabilitating named Silveo after a Bob song. We had her over to a little house on Chicken City road for a cheese-less pizza and we talked for hours. I remember banding terns with her at Eastern shore refuge and we were mortified how they herded the birds and penned them in for the banding. We then moved to California and with Kerry and Nick nearby, we continued to see Michelle frequently. She spent Christmas with us in Sacramento with Nick and Kerry’s two dogs. By that time, we had our little guy Dylan. Michelle was great with him and he adored her. We went on a great trip to Arcata with Michelle and she called in spotted owls for us! That was a life experience – seeing the highly endangered spotted owl. We will never forget that. I visited Michelle in White Salmon while on training to Portland and I have to say that Ben would not come over to meet me. In 2005, we met Michelle in Hawaii. We will travel to great lengths to hook up with her! We had a great time traveling around and sunbathing in Maui. She is a fantastic photographer. We are so glad she was on the Hawaii trip….her photos are outstanding. Last spring, we finally got to meet Ben when they both visited us on Cape Cod. He is great and we are so happy for Michelle. All three of us (and Shannon!) love her dearly and only wish them both the best. Can’t wait to see you! Love, Stephanie, Michael, Dylan, and Shannon

Meshell

I have been trying to remember my first meeting with Michelle, as I recall it was in a campus coffee shop at Tech. Our friend introduced us, they were studying Wildlife and I was studying Nutrition. The thing I most remember about this introduction was a crazy, bright, pink fleece that Michelle was wearing. This fleece pattern really was amazing, bright pink with purple and green flowers (or something like that?). As our friendship grew, I realized Michelle wore this fleece everyday in the winter, which in Blacksburg lasts forever, usually with a brightly colored hat and mittens. I also learned that Michelle's life and spirit was just as colorful as her attire. She was the mayor of Blacksburg, she knew everyone and everyone knew her, crossing all groups (human and non-human), even unwanted, broken-down, blind animals....she touched everyone. And we can not forget that she is a "Swan Mom", whenever I hear "Hey 19"- I think of swan #19, Michelle had names for all her baby swans. From that first meeting, our friendship was not only filled with brightness, but an infectious smile and belly-aching laughter. As I was engulfed by Michelle's magnetic energy, I later learned about the exciting O'Malley clan. I was an honorary O'Malley for a very organized family reunion weekend in Ireland after college. In Ireland, I learned that Michelle's energy is as explosive as her sisters and as mellow as her brothers. I felt honored and proud to be apart of such a fun family (even if only for a weekend). Ben you are so lucky! Ben and Michelle are a great match and fit right into each other's worlds. I am so happy you both are taking this leap together. My only wish is that I lived closer, to enjoy some of that magnetic and colorful energy. Michelle I love you! OXO

Love Kathy Conley

Michelle & Ben

We were fortunate one summer to have Michelle stay at the Conley Inn when she worked in Cambridge to finance her trip to Africa. Kathy and Michelle would ride the T to work in the mornings and share quality time and people watching! It was so much fun learning about her upcoming trip and all the preparation that went into it. I treasure my one-of-a- kind beautiful wooden animal necklace and wooden miniature spoon that Michelle brought back. I still have and use the wooden elephant salad fork and spoon (although they could be replaced as they are beginning to show signs of frequent use – hint, hint Marcus…..).

Michelle has had so many interesting jobs that it was always fun to hear from her and learn about her new adventures. We still have the video tape of Michelle’s debut on the TV program, Dateline, along with the book featuring a full page picture of Michelle and her trumpeter swan. Dan and Katelyn were impressed when I showed them the photos Michelle sent of “Herself” and the swans relaxing in the water.

Now, Michelle is entering a new chapter in her life and we are delighted for her. We welcome Ben into this large and somewhat crazy family with open arms. He has stood the test of time and survived weddings, Christmas, family get-togethers and I’m sure a few late nights with the siblings and spouses! We couldn’t be happier for you both!

Looking forward to the wedding and our visit to Oregon!

Love,

Kathy Conley

Congratulations!

Michelle was the first friend I made when I moved to the Gorge in 2002.  I had signed up to take a sewing class for two reasons.  One to prove to the mover I could sew (he laughed when he brought in the sewing machinge) and also to make friends.  That is where I met Michelle.  She saw that I was alone and befriended me.  As the weeks passed our friendship grew (even though my sewing abilities did not - guess the mover was right!)

Over the years Michelle has been there for me in more ways than can imagine.  It is hard to express what she means to me. I love her dearly and I am thankful to have met her.  

Congratulations Michelle and Ben!  I hope life brings you all the happiness in the world.

Love, Tia

From Becky

I think the world of Michelle. She seems like one of the happiest people I know. Her picture should be next to the word "effervescent" in the dictionary. I love being around her because she's always smiling and laughing.

My husband, Dan, met Michelle first at a party when we had just moved to White Salmon three years ago. He came home and told me that he had met somebody really great- that she's a knitter and she was really nice and he thought I should be her friend. Lucky for me, I am now!

I wish her and Ben all the love, luck and happiness in the world!

Much love,Becky Williams

My Friend Michelle

I hardly know where to begin... I haven't known Michelle forever - certainly not her whole life - or mine. I did know however, from the minute I met her, that she'd be my friend for life.

Michelle is the go to girl for sharing fun, living life, trying something new, for sharing happiness and wiping away tears. She's even the friend that tells you that you look pretty (and means it) while she's holding your hair out of the toilet. I won't tell you how I know that - but take my word for it.

In all my life of knowing people and having friends, I've never had another friend like Michelle. Except maybe Ben. As individuals, Michelle and Ben have a capacity for friendship that is unparalleled in this universe. As partners, this friendship is the basis for love and respect and a fabulous, fulfilling life together. This is how I know they are perfect for one another.

Congratulations, Michelle! I love you!

Kristin

From Ann Marie & David

Michelle & Ben,

Congratulations & all the best of health & happiness for the future to you both. Hope you have a great day!! Sorry we cant be there!!

LoveAnnmarie & David xxx

Love Tracy

I think my favorite thing about Michelle is her love of animals and nature, mostly because I love the same things. She actually came through Montana on a road trip with her mom a few years back, but unfortunately it was a quick overnight stay, and I didn't get to spend much time with them. However, we just happened to have a neighbor who raised and trained wild animals such as wolves, bears, mountain lions, etc. Before they left, I'm glad they got to go see our neighbor's animals. I can't wait to come see the area where Michelle and Ben live. From pictures I've received it looks just gorgeous. I'm really happy and honored to be invited to their wedding. I also have a funny little memory from years back when my mom and I went to London to visit and stayed with your family. One day Michelle was nice enough to come on an all-day bus tour with me. It was kind of a long day and a lot of driving on the bus. I remember we had an older woman tour guide, very 'proper' kind of lady who was very serious about her commentating. We were sitting at the very back of the bus. Something about they way she was speaking struck us as funny, and we had a very 'improper fit of giggling', the kind where your eyes water and your cheeks hurt. It was a little embarrassing, because we couldn't stop laughing. Also, one night we went to Piccadilly Circus to a movie together (Sleeping with the Enemy) that didn't get over until 1 or 2 in the morning, and I remember thinking how exciting it was that we were in London real late at night with lots of strange looking people around. Anyway, I had a really good time with Michelle, and she made the trip to London more fun. I'm really glad she found a partner to share her life with. I wish them many years of happiness together.

Love, Tracy :)

Love Mary

I have many memories of Michelle or Miss Smell as many of my other siblings knew her as haha. While there is quite a age gap between Michelle and I, we still had many things in common among which is our love for animals. She was always bringing rescued animals home until she could find a permanent place for them. I remember when she brought home a “puppy”which turned out to be a full grown dog named Charlie. One of my best memories is her letting me help with the swan project and be a swan “aunt”, it was an experience I’ll never forget. I love you!
Ben is an awesome guy! He fits right in with our family and I actually use him as an example of when I’m warning people of what to expect when meeting my entire family for the first time. It was Christmas and everyone was home, we were all at Kerry and Nicks hanging out for one of our usual gatherings. And as usual, there are about fifty different conversations going on with everyone involved. Ben was sitting on the couch just sipping on his beer looking around bewildered and someone asked him why he was being so quiet. His repsonse was that there were to many conversations going on, he didn’t know who or how to join in with. Haha but he eventually did and we are glad J Congrats to you both! I love you
Mary T.

Sarah Kellems (friend and fellow knitter of Michelle's)

Best wishes for Michelle and Ben. . .
It has been a true pleasure to get to know you both over the last several years, to share knitting projects, potluck dinners, and conversation. Michelle, I always enjoy being around your caring self, and appreciate your presence in my life. Thanks for putting together a group baby blanket for me when I was expecting my son and, three years later, for taking care of Angus and I when we were struck by the stomach flu at your house! You are a wonderful hostess and excellent listener. I wish you nothing but the very best as you begin your (formalized) life together, and look forward to many more years of friendship to come.
Love,
Sarah Kellems