Jackpot

All too often I hear negative comments from friends about their in-laws (pronounced with great disdain, like a really bad word), they roll their eyes, grit their teeth, take long deep breaths, and tell themselves how much they love their spouse (and how that spouse darn well better be thankful).  I listen patiently but honestly I just do a little jig in my heart that I got you for my mother and father in-law.  Visiting with you has always been a pleasure, from the first time I met you at Dan's farewell to present day you have been welcoming and kind.  I was slightly nervous (okay scared outta my shorts) the first time I played rook with you (Judy wouldn't deal me in until I produced cash and some genius thought pairing me with Wayne for my first round would be a good idea), but other than that it's been smooth sailing! 

I recall one weekend visiting your home for a family dinner.  Apparently there had been a previous conversation about jell-o in which I mentioned that I don't love 'stuff' in my jell-o (fruit, pretzels, etc.) and now that I was on my own I always eat it plain (my Mom is a big jell-o stuffer).  I didn't actually remember the conversation...but you (Judy) did.  At dinner there was a small dish of plain jell-o next to the large dish of jell-o with 'stuff' in it.  Along those same lines I remember Wayne always having a brand new canister of cashews waiting on the coffee table in the basement when we came up for a visit because he knows they are my favorite.  It's those little things that really mean a lot to a new family member.

Anecdotes like that are plentiful but I want to leave room for others so I'll just say "Thanks".  Thanks for always welcoming me into your home and giving me sincere hugs.  Thanks for keeping in touch with our crew even though we're thousands of miles away.  Thanks for responding with enthusiasm when one of the children calls to tell you that he/she:  peed in the potty, lost a tooth, hit a baseball, signed up for a new class, got a good grade, etc.  Thanks for asking to talk to me too when Dan calls home.  Thanks for coming to visit and filling our home with grandparent cheer for a few days.  Thanks for asking me if I had any specific instructions when you babysat for us...even though you raised 6 of your own and we both know you could have done just fine for those few hours without one word from me!  Thanks for raising a great son who has turned into a great husband and father.  Thanks for everything, everything, everything.  Thanks for plain jell-o and cashews, I love you too.

Amy