I know I've posted something about "Family" in the past, but this week I had the opportunity to spend an extended length of time with my family-in-law (is that a word?).
My father-in-law (Paul) is in the hospital and had two procedures this week. Two, pretty complicated procedures. We have all been a little worried, but no one wanted to admit it until the surgery was over. What a relief...it is over, he is doing great, and everyone can rest a little easier. He joked about being "Superman", but honestly, I think he is.
My point to this post is to say I was sorry we were all pulled together under these circumstances, but glad we were able to spend the time together. We do see each other on occasions, usually holidays. But I don't remember a time where it was just the adults. Normally we all have our children, or at least some of them, and we are pulled in so many different directions - which as you know, doesn't allow a lot of time for adult conversation. This week was different...we all sat there waiting, hoping, praying, and just enjoying one another. Leave it to Paul to pull us all together, and not even intentionally. I got to know my in-laws a lot better during this week, and I've got to say, I had a blast! There was a lot of laughing, kidding, some tears, and just talking. No pressure, no underlying messages (well, maybe with Brett & Melody):) It was so much fun to see Brett interact with his family and just relax. I love that about him. Family is SO important. But most of all, I got to know Mary (Brett's mom) and Melody (Brett's sister), a lot better. I figured out why I like them so well...they are a lot like me! haha Seriously, we all seem to have a lot in common - which is a compliment to me. But I also realized, that Brett is a whole lot like his dad. I know every child cringes at the thought of being like their parents, but if you knew Brett's dad, you would think Brett was just crowned the King of England by that statement. His dad is loving, funny (he was in rare form in the hospital:), and just genuinely kind-hearted, just like Brett. Which means I have a lot to look forward to in the future.
Some people are lucky enough to have one family, their immediate family that love and support them. I'm lucky enough to have two.
"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one"
~Jane Howard~
KB
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Family
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2 comments:
Kelly,
I just read this (running a little late on catching up on blogs). What a great post! I had much the same reaction about last week. I hated the reason we had to come together, but I loved the waiting time because of getting to be together. The only bad thing about that is that the "hub" of our family, Paul, couldn't be there to enjoy it. But, on the other hand, it's fun to see how people relate without a key person there. Different dynamics. I also felt like I got to know you better. Thanks for being there and thanks for your gift bag. Very, very helpful and appreciated. So glad you're a part of our family.
MB
All,
Ah shucks, I do what I can to get us together. What can I say. :)
Seriously, you, Brett, and the whole family were troopers and everyone went beyond the call of duty for me during that hospital stay. I fine. I'm well. [Almost.]
"I'm baaack." [As what's-his-name said in INDEPENDENCE DAY.] :)
PS
It was a GREAT post as Mary said.
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