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Quote of the month...

"Standing tall is a very admirable thing. There are very few stories in history of heroes who slouched to the rescue. Likewise, most individuals don't look up to people who are drooped over."
from Leven Thumps and the Wrath of Ezra by Obert Skye

my family

Sunday, February 10, 2008

52 Weeks of Blessings -- week 6-- great In-laws

{Sorry up front again no photo!}

This week I'm thankful for my in-laws. I truly have a great set of parents-in-law. They are the couple who almost weren't. They grew up literally across the street from each other and have been friends their whole lives. I'm not exactly sure if they "dated" in high school, but they were friends and had a big group of kids that they hung out with. The thing is that, they were graduating and starting life during the Vietnam war. It was a time of conflict. My some-day-to-be mother-in Law actually was married to another and he went off to war! My some-day-to-be father-in-law also went off to war. Her first husband was killed in action. He was gunner in a helicopter. I think that would have been very tough, so young and a widow! I'm not sure of the time span, but he came back home on leave or something and got engaged to his long-time friend. He said he didn't want to loose her again! He went back to war and they were married when he returned from his tour of duty. He served awhile longer in the Air Force and they started a family. Shortly after coming back he invited the missionaries in. It wasn't long before he joined the Church, she had been a member her whole life. They had a daughter, Denise, a miscarriage {at 6months along} and then a son, Troy. She was told it would not be in her best interest to have more children. They became foster parents. Many children were cared for and nurtured in their home. Eventually, they got a little girl that they fell in love with and just had to keep. They adopted her giving them 3 children. They were foster parents for 18 years! Some of their foster kids still keep in touch and one still considers them his parents. They lived and worked in their hometown, raised their kids. After 28 years on the police force he retired and moved to a sleepy little southern UT town. Retirement is boring, I guess, because they decided to serve a mission. They spent 2 years serving in the Family History Library. They were in Salt Lake for the Olympics. After serving a mission, they went back home and my father-in-law decided that he really wanted to live closer to the grandkids. Thankfully, we have the most, so they would probably be coming our way! My mother-in-law was not as sure about "following the kids around," but she agreed to put the house on the market and see. Well, the house sold and they moved North. We have been so blessed having them close. Not only have we had ready, willing and able sitters, but our kids have had a great opportunity to have grandparents close to really get to know. Because they are here, we have been blessed to get to know great grandma {Nana} too. Great grandpa {Papa} passed away a year ago and Nana came to visit. Due to a little fall down the stairs, she decided to stay here. They put up with us 3 out of 4 Sundays a month, plus come sit for us and enjoy watching the kids grow up. I'm so thankful for good in-laws who love me.
{Now, you might think it funny that I chose to highlight them before my parents, but I want to spotlight my parents near their anniversary, in Aug}

15 comments:

Are You Serious! said...

♥ Very nice! It's such a HUGE blessing! I'm also grateful for wonderful in-laws!

Laura said...

What a great tribute to them. I think their love story was so interesting too. I have so much respect for people who choose to be Foster Parents. It is such a important and hard job! What great people they must be! It is so nice to have Grandparents close supporting you and loving their grandkids!

Andrea said...

What a sweet tribute! In-laws really are great! Especially if you all get along! That's awesome that they came to live closer by you guys. Cherish your precious time together!

Cecily R said...

They sound wonderful. What a great blessing!

Cindy Price said...

What a wonderful blessing to have great in-laws! And even better that they live close and your kids can really get to know their grandparents!! I sure you will have fond memories to share as the years go by!!

Keeley said...

What a wonderful post on your in-laws. They sound like really wonderful people. =)

Claremont First Ward said...

Great in-laws are DEFINITELY a blessing. Yours sounds wonderful.

KATE said...

How fun! I'm so glad you have such fabulous In Laws. It makes life so nice!!
Great post!!

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

Beautiful post.

Jenifer said...

What a touching and amazing story! I love stories like that! You are very blessed to have great in-laws.

Munster and Web said...

I enjoyed this story. It also brought a question to mind. When did they serve in the Family History Library. My Grandmother served there for many years. She passed away last January. But she loved the work there.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Munster & Web- they were there April 2001 to April or May 2003.

SuperCoolMom said...

I love that you shared their love story. What a great post for Valentine's week. It is so nice to get along with your in-laws and have them so close!

crystal said...

What a great story. They sound like incredible & loving parents :)

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

They are pretty cool and we are very happy they are so close! Thank you all for the nice comments.