‘In All Ways’: This is how much Michele’s husband and daughter love her

To Rick, she is his best friend, his saving grace, and his life supporter. She has kept him on track and helped push him in his career and in his family life.

To Caitlyn, she is her best friend, her go-to for advice, and her shoulder to lean on. She is Caitlyn’s biggest supporter and number one in her phone book.

To everyone else, she is a hard worker with a big heart and a selfless intuition. Everything she does is for the good of those around her, and there is no doubt about that.

We are, of course, talking about the one and only Michele Margulis Bretz. Born in Oakland, California, Michele’s father’s military career brought her to the east coast, where she eventually met her husband, Rick. Prior to meeting him, she had already established herself as an Army woman who was a single mother, and everything about her was truly amazing.

Everything about her to this day is just as amazing, as Michele’s entire life has been about sacrifice. From her dropping a rank in the military to become an Army nurse to being the kind of mother who would drop anything for her daughter, Michele is constantly focused on others and on the greater good.

“She is always willing to help people with problems to help them get through difficult periods,” Rick said. “She can talk to anyone and is always willing to talk to anyone. She is also willing to help family members and adores her daughter.”

If there is anything you need, it is a safe bet that you can count on Michele to help you out. She is a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, and she certainly makes herself available without judgment.

Michele is also the kind of woman who puts her family first in every situation. As much as she cares about others (which is why she became a nurse), she has extra care for her family… especially her daughter.

“She is wonderful as a mother,” Rick said. “She will support our daughter Catie through and through. She is the mother who will have tough love sometimes. She’ll support our daughter in professional and emotional endeavors. When Catie was younger, she was taking her everywhere. She was taking care of the everyday business. She was taking care of our daughter also. She’ll also get our daughter to talk.”

There is something about that bond between Caitlyn and Michele. It is a bond that has been formed since the beginning of Caitlyn’s life, and it is something that will only continue to grow as time continues on.

Caitlyn realizes this too, and she does not take her mom for granted. She sees her mom as her best friend and her everything, including her role model.

Speaking of which, both Caitlyn and Rick have learned a lot from their family matriarch over the years. They know just how many teachable moments life has presented to Michele over the years, and they know Michele always took advantage of those.

“I’ve learned everything!! How to persevere; how to advocate for others; how to advocate for myself; how to treat others,” Caitlyn said.

Life is not always easy, but with perseverance, strength and heart, you can get through anything. That is exactly the way Michele lives, along with just never letting up on how much love she has for those around her.

It does not matter if they are her friend or a total stranger either. Michele has a way about her that draws people to talk to her and want to get to know her.

“She will go up to strangers and talk with them,” Rick said. “I call her the networker. Michele will do things for people if they need help. She will not just talk to somebody either, but follow up with them.”

Michele does not just talk the talk. She walks the walk by keeping connected with people. If she tells you she is going to give you a call, you can guarantee she will give you a call.

That kind of loyalty should not be taken lightly, and it is the kind of loyalty Rick has admired about his wife since day one. He knew that she was someone special right off the bat, and things have not changed.

“Everything she is to me, she is to him too,” Caitlyn said. “She gives him direction and perspective, and a good kick in the tush when necessary.”

Michele is not afraid to show a little tough love, and while that might be the military genes in her, it shows her great balance in loving people while also giving them everything they need. She gives great advice and is a great presence in people’s lives, and she is adored and appreciated beyond belief.

“You are the best. I love you and always will in all ways.” – Rick