My In-Laws

I just wanted to share something sweet that occurred over the holidays that really touched my heart. Since I was hospitalized for 28 days right around the holidays, I was unable to go to Mississippi to visit Dale's family for Thanksgiving, Christmas OR New Year's. Dale and Gentry went down for a few days right before Christmas, but they didn't get to spend much time down with his family over the holidays either.
But, right after Christmas Pam and Kennith and their three girls, drove all the way up here just to get to see me and visit with me for a little while. They were only able to stay for less than 24 hours and had to turn right back around and go back to Mississippi, but I was so touched that they sacrificed that time and came up here for the sole purpose of seeing me. Pam is Dale's sister and she's always been such a sweetheart. I knew they loved me, but to demonstrate it in such a way was just really heartwarming.
Then, on New Year's Day around 6:00 p.m. that evening, we saw a vehicle pull up in the driveway and us girls were sitting in the living room visiting and all of a sudden I see Dale's mom and dad walking up to the house. We had NO IDEA they were coming up. I was SO shocked that they drove all that way...again...just to see me and visit for a little while. They are so busy with their business and family down there that I knew it was a big sacrifice for them to come up as well. They were only able to stay for a few hours and had to turn right back around and go back home that night which made the visit that much more special to me. Again, I've always known that they love me...but an act of kindness such as that just really makes you feel special.
I'm grateful to be surrounded by those kinds of caring individuals. I am glad to say I've never had one cross word with my mother OR father-in-law and after 14 years of being in the family, I'd say that's a pretty cool accomplishment! :)
When I was in the hospital, Dale's mom told him to go and buy me $100.00 worth of nightgowns and pajamas so I'd have something comfortable to relax in while I was in the hospital and once I got home! Boy, have I sure taken advantage of those gifts over the past few months!
BUT...the greatest gift they've ever given me is my sweetie. Our vows about the "for better or worse and in sickness and in health"...have certainly been put to the test over the past three months. I'm thankful that Dale has taken on the unwanted role of caregiver without complaining ONE TIME (at least to me anyway!). I know it's a burden on him to have to deal with a sick wife, but he seems to take it all in stride and always is my encourager and keeps things light even when the tears flow like a river.
So, thank you to my in-laws for giving me such a cool guy to share my unpredictable, roller coaster ride of life with!