At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.- Albert Schweitzer
As always, I am thankful for so many things, but out of all of those things I'd like to acknowledge my in-laws. While I am aware that they will probably never read this, as they live far into the woods on Lake Oconee, and have no proper access to the internet, they've been placed in my heart this afternoon and I want to express my gratitude regardless.
My husband was raised by his parents until the age of ten. As adversity reared it's ugly head into his life at a very young age, he was eventually sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle, along with his three younger siblings. I'm sure that it wasn't an easy adjustment for anyone involved, but they made it work so that those children were safe and in a stable environment. They worked hard, and showed tough love....but it was, indeed, love.
They helped to raise two war veterans (both recently with Honorable Discharge from the United States Army), a youth minister, and an aspiring chef.
As the wife of one of those people, I am so very thankful for all their hard work and continued love for my husband and our family.
Uncle Dale has a heart of gold, with quite a sarcastic sense of humor to boot. He loves his family, nature, and traveling. He is gentle and loving. He is wonderful with our children. While they call him Uncle Dale, as well, he couldn't be a better grandfather to them. :0)
Aunt Ella Christina goes by Aunt Chris for short. She was shocked when we told her that we were naming our daughter Ella and said, "I hope she doesn't hate that name as much as I did growing up!". She was honored nonetheless, and couldn't contain her sweet smile. She is a faithful, loving wife caring for her sick husband. She loves animals, books, and planting flowers. She is a woman that I admire a great deal, as she was a newly married woman who took in four children she hardly knew and raised them as if they were her own.
Amazing people.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.- Marcel Proust
Relishing in His goodness...
