Tales Around the Table

Nearly twelve years ago, I, with grateful heart, worked diligently on a cross-stitch piece, trying to have it completed and framed by December 22, 1996. After completing my rather large craft, I, again, with grateful heart, presented the gift to my Mother-in-law for her birthday. It read:

To "His" Mother
'Mother-in-law' they say, and yet,
Somehow I simply can't forget
'Twas you who watched his baby ways
Who taught him his first hymn of praise,
Who smiled on him with living pride
When he first toddled by your side.
'Mother-in-law' but oh, 'twas you
Who taught him to be kind and true,
When he was tired, almost asleep,
'Twas to your arms he used to creep,
And when he bruised his tiny knee,
'Twas you who kissed it tenderly.
'Mother-in-law' they say, and yet,
Somehow I never shall forget
How very much I owe
To you, who taught him how to grow
You trained your son to look above,
You made of him the man I love,
And so I think of that today,
Ah! Then with thankful heart I'll say
"Our Mother."

See, unlike most folks I know, I simply adored both my mother-in-law and father-in-law, the moment I met them. I used to love sitting at their kitchen table and listening to them tell their life stories, including both struggles and blessings; stories from their own childhoods and also from married life together. Many lessons were learned about the secrets of having a successful marriage, and surviving parenthood, while sitting around that table. Lessons about simply enjoying life, no matter what it throws at you. Many laughs were shared, tears shed, and love for one another deepened while converging around that kitchen table. Moments that will live on forever through cherished memories, moments- good and bad, will live forever in the hearts of those blessed enough to gather around that kitchen table.

Recently, I was given my cross-stitched gift back. It was returned to me. It now leans silently against my livingroom wall. And each time I pass by, I thank God for the gift of my mother-in-law.

She was a strong and brave woman; diagnosed with multiple forms of aggressive cancers in late July 2008 and fought a tough battle throughout August and September.

On October 5, 2008, Wilma Anita Lee Strickland, joined her soulmate, Irvin H.B. Strickland, who passed before her on June 30, 1997. Knowing them has enriched my life beyond words, and I know that they smile down upon their family with love.

I miss them both; I miss tales around the table. And I am ever grateful for the wonderful man they have given me to love; my soulmate and best friend. May God bless us with tales of our own to tell as we gather around the table with our own children in the years that lay ahead.