This past weekend we took a trip to the hometown for a somber time. It was the anniversary of the passing of the MC's Old Man. We gathered at his mom's house for a lunch and rounding everyone up to visit the grave site. Lunch wasn't anything fancy or outlandish - not that any of us need that. It was some average people having an average lunch, but to me it couldn't have felt more extraordinary.
What stood out was the way his family treats me. They don't treat me like an outsider (I feared that for a while) They accept me as one of them for all intensive purposes. When we got there, food in hand, everyone else was already there. His sister hobbled over to me and asked if I was willing to help out his mom by making some meals for her while she recovers from surgery. (I have become the family cook, is anyone surprised?!) Chad and I told her that we had already planned on it and would be happy to do so. Then the talk came to the scheduling to help out during recovery, all of us are pitching in to help and it looks like we all have it covered. Splendid!
His daughter was entertaining his nephew and his mom with tea time (that was a hoot!) while the rest of us talked in the kitchen. We talked about some concerns we had and the way events are unfolding and taking place. Yes, I am being vague on purpose because the majority of the conversation just isn't for public knowledge. I have said it before and I will again, not everything should be aired out for everyone. Once you put something down it is out there permanently. There was a part of the discussion that went into what kind of woman I am. Don't get me wrong, I was pretty sure his family approved of me, but this one sent me. His youngest sister said, "You are a good mom, you love his daughter and you are a better housewife than I am. (to the MC) You are doing for her kids, what Dad did for you. Those kids are getting to see what a good, loving relationship is and that's important".
We continued with lunch and then off to the graveside for a quiet remembrance. It was private and small, which made it that much more endearing. There weren't a lot of tears, no hysterics or anything dramatic. There was even some laughter and smiles that were passed. (the dog that AR became smitten with coming home with us was a good joke) That quiet, strong, simple and loving demeanor that his family showed in that moment made what was said all the the sweeter. A family that is hurting, missing someone, reached out to someone to include them. That, my dear readers, is truly remarkable.
I am not the overly emotional type. Crying isn't my stand-by. I am not ashamed to tell you that I shed a few tears over this one. I know the loss this family has had runs deep for them. They have become a bit of an inspiration. They have shown grace, perseverance, gratitude, love and respect in a time when many others would fall apart. To be accepted, welcomed and depended on by this family that I admire has warmed my soul in ways I can't express.
It's easy to fool the masses. You can propagate whatever you would like. You can't pull the proverbial wool over the eyes of those that love you. Those are the people who are going to give the most scrutiny. Those are the people who expect you to be accountable and better yourself. His family sees the love that we have for each other and for our children. There are few opinions in this world that I truly care about, but those are the ones that count.
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