Today was one of the many times God reminds me how blessed I am to have the in-laws that I do. This past week was particularly hard. I sat at a memorial service for a good high school friend who passed away from cancer. I went to the home of another close friend to pray for her as she undergoes tests at MD Anderson, also for cancer. My sinuses were clogged. I was tired. All I wanted to do was cry. My sweet, sensitive daughters-in-law realized it was a time, as they put it, I just needed to “be a girl.” They offered their shoulders for me to lean on.
The one who lives nearest me picked me up this morning and we drove about an hour and a half to join a sister-in-law in her hometown. Between them, they had six of my delightful grandchildren, ranging in age from four to two months. We went to a beautiful park and let the children run wild. The oldest little girl cousins were beside themselves when they saw each other. They ran, hugged, and ran some more. The two little two year old toddlers interacted as they do at that age, and the two babies enjoyed being pushed in strollers. There was never a cross word among them.
I walked behind the girls, letting them enjoy conversation that sisters-in-law have, surrounded by the Littles on their striders. The day was perfect. A pleasant breeze, slightly cooler temperatures, and a safe park area brought peace and restoration to my soul. My heart was filled with gratitude for knowing my daughters-in-law and I share a deep, abiding love. I came home restored. Tired, but restored.