When my boys were young, I used to pray that they would find companions that loved God, and loved them above all others. God answered my prayers.
My youngest son fell in love with a little girl in middle school. They were young and carefree and in love. Many people just kind of rolled their eyes at them because they were so young, but I could see something very lasting in my son's eyes and I only hoped that she felt the same. Well, she did. She was a couple of years ahead of him in school, so when she went off to college I was so worried that her head would be turned by all those cute college boys, but she was faithful.
That was when I knew there was something so very special about her, her dedication, her loyalty and her love for my son.
Through the years, she spent so much time at our home. She, my son and I would laugh and giggle and just be silly. We took many trips together and she became part of our family even before she was part of our family.
Everyone kept saying they should wait until they were both out of college before they got married, and I kept asking why? I knew they were in love, I knew they were going to get married, and I knew they were going to make it. Why should they put their lives on hold because of some classes? I was on their side.
There was a very sad day in our home when my dear, sweet mother in law passed away. It just happened that her burial day was on my birthday, but there was one person who remembered it...my daughter in law. She and my son gave me a necklace with a sweet, diamond chip heart on it. It was so delicate, so beautiful. I cherish that necklace because of what it means. It said to me that in the midst of chaos and heartaches I mattered.
When my middle son met a young girl that was friend's with my daughter in law, I knew nothing about her. All I knew was that she was raised not too far from where my husband and I were raised, so that made us sort of kin.
She was a little shy when she first came to visit us, but it didn't last long. We soon became more than acquaintances. We became friends.
When my son proposed to her, it was a family affair. We had lots of people in our house that day, and we all knew the "secret", but she didn't have a clue. When we saw our son take her out on the back porch, we knew it was time! As he sat her down on a chair, he got down on one knee, and out in the field his dad drove up in his pick up with a huge sign on the side that went from the front to the back that said, "Will you marry me?"
Everyone in the house had their noses pressed up to the windows watching all this unveil, while she was looking around at us with this comical, quizzical look on her face. When it finally dawned on her what was going on, she just cried, and then I cried, and then everyone cried. It was so emotional and so sweet.
Since that day, we've only gotten closer, my daughter in law and I. While they were waiting on closing on a house, they were living in a motel room, which lasted several months, so I would go up, rent a room and hang out with her because I knew how hard this was for a young woman far away from family. It was during these trips that our relationship became strong. I've spent many days with them in their home and our favorite thing was going to Target and getting popcorn to munch on at night. We even bought Target popcorn to take with us to the movies. That stuff is good stuff!
I've seen how much she loves. Her family is so important. Her God is so important. I'm very thankful she is part of our family and part of my heart.
And, then there is my future daughter in law, who is already a part of our family. The thing that makes my daughter in laws so special is the fact that they adore my sons, and she is no exception. She thinks my son is humorous, smart and can do anything. I like this girl.
I've watched her and my son encourage each other as they have gone through pharmacy school. I've watched as they've supported each other through the exams, the rotations, and through graduation.
I've watched her stand by my son when friends interfered. And I've watched them work things out when things seemed hopeless.
She loves to shop...a girl after my own heart. We've done some shopping, and have gone to movies, and I enjoy her company. She loves her little family and that's so important to me. Family is everything.
As we sat at my table last night and began making plans for "the big day", I realized that our relationship, although good, is about to get even stronger. She's already part of my heart, now she's going to be part of our family. I'm looking forward to many fun days ahead, many girl's nights out, and lots of heart to heart talking.
So, you can see why I'm so thankful for my girls. I love them, I'm proud of them, I'll defend them, and I'll open my heart and home to each of them.
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