My Quiet Man

When I was first married I was constantly amazed at what my husband could accomplish. He could fix an engine, upholster the car or a chair. Fix anything around the house and read at the speed of light. He graduated from college with a degree in computer science in the 5th year of our marriage and worked harder than anyone I knew. He built an addition on our house with the help of a few friends and of course our 4 small sons. He built, wired did everything, usually by reading a book about what he wanted to do. His knowledge of so many things was truly astounding. When the inspector did the final inspection he said ours was the most square addition he had ever seen.
As the years have passed and we have endured and celebrated many joys and sorrows I still am amazed by him. He is a man of few words and to be perfectly honest at times I have been frustrated by that part of his personality, but he is a good man. He doesn't always listen to what I say and I often have to speak to him two or three times before he responds to me, but he loves and respects me. He treats me kindly and is patient in the face of my sometimes hysteria about things. At family get togethers he sometimes sits quietly by and listens to all of the talk. But when our children have problems, need advice or a shoulder to cry on he is always there for them. He has held me together through trial more than once. As the years pass and we age, we have begun to talk more, enjoy our time together more and find joy in our children and grandchildren. We come from different backgrounds but have built a life together that I am so thankful for. To have a good marriage, love, four wonderful sons, two beautiful daughters, thirteen amazing grandchildren and my own quiet man is the best any woman can ask for. I have been truly blessed.

Born of Goodly Parents

I have had a special blessing all of my life because of the parents God sent me to. I have always known I was loved and forgiven for my shortcomings. My parents never doubted me and have always been there for me. As the years pass and we all age, I have found myself in a changing role. At times I find myself acting as a parent to my parents. They are both not in the best health and I have had the opportunity to spend time with them in my home caring for them. It is a blessing that I am so thankful for. There is no way I can ever thank my mom and dad for all the the care they took of me. The sleepless nights I am sure they had. All of the meals, (mom is a much better cook than I am), sitting by my bed when I was sick, playing with me, vacations, teaching,so many things they did for me (that all parents do) that I can never really pay them back for. They have been great grandparents and taught me much about how to be a grandparent, but I can never fully repay them for the role they have played in my life. However, I am grateful that I am able to help them in some small way as I care for them and spend time with them. I still learn from them and I think I am learning to appreciate them on a much deeper level than ever before. They are an example to me of love and service, strength and humor, faith and kindness. I love my parents and am so blessed to be their daughter. Thanks Mom and Dad!