Elaine, Rob, and Judi
…Is Sometimes more than Two!
My dad said to me, the other day, “Elaine’s [my daughter] marriage to Rob has been good for the whole family.” I didn’t ask him what he meant, because it seemed obvious to me. Rob and his family are awesome.
He has a younger brother, Ricky, who lives in Los Angeles; baby sister Crissy lives in Florida, where her husband Joe serves in the Coast Guard. His grandfather, Buck, is a godly, gentle man. We’ve developed important friendships with all of them.
But Rob’s mom, Judi, has been a special gift to me. She has a huge heart. She adores my daughter and grandson, Cadence. She welcomed Rich and me as family the first time we met (a year ago, at Cadence’s birthday party). I knew right away that this woman would become my friend.
Preparing for weddings–and in-law-hood–can be tense. We just had fun. She and I took Elaine shopping for her gown, followed by a ladies’ lunch. We had a blast. We laughed, and we cried, and we rejoiced in the love our children had found together. The weekend of the kids’ wedding, Rich and I worshiped with her and her family at their church. It felt like home.
Now, we email one another with news, funny stories, and prayer requests. Last month she drove 80 miles early on a Sunday to worship with us. After church we came home and she taught me how me to prepare one of Rich’s favorite dishes. After brunch, her dad met us at the marina and we took them out for a cruise. Next month, we’re taking a pilgrimage together that I’m sure you’ll read about here.
I’ve written before about how Judi and I discovered that we’d both been praying for someone special for our children. I’m pretty sure neither of us was expecting the other as part of the bargain…but I’m sure glad it worked out that way.
It troubles me that we have no kinship term that describes two mothers whose children are married. I can call her “my daughter’s mother-in-law” or “my son-in-law’s mother,” but neither of those terms indicates any direct relationship between us.
So I’ve taken to calling her my co-grandma.
When God sets out to build a family, expect amazing results!
17 Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing. 18 He wanted us to be His own special people, and so He sent the true message to give us new birth.
James 1:17-18 (CEV)
The relationships that you ALL have created & built up to be so strong is one that I hope, wish & pray for…not only myself but for my sisters as well! Thanks for giving me hope that my chance of that happening is still yet to come!
Kirsten, thank you. You bless me with your kind words. I guess Judi and I will have to get praying for you 🙂
Sheila… You have brought tears to my eyes once again. thank you for all the kind words, they mean so much to me. As for our children, our family and our new friendship, I also believe it was God sent. What amazes me is Gods timing.. as we'd all met over 10 years ago when they were schoolmates, band mates, and friends! Thank God for his timing! It's a true testament that even though it is not always in the time WE may want – it's always the perfect time!
You said a mouthful there, Judi! It's amazing what happens when we ask Him to lead, isn't it?