30 September 2012 ~ I HAVE TWO MOTHER-IN-LAWS ~ AND IT IS GOOD!

30 September 2012 ~ I HAVE TWO MOTHER-IN-LAWS ~ AND IT IS GOOD!

 

It’s two in the morning.  I just know I can’t go to sleep until this is written.

Yes I do have two mother-in-laws.  My own mum sadly passed away just over two years ago, and it was a great loss to me, as her son.  My lovely bride’s mum flew over to visit us here in Canada in the early summer.  I wrote a blog about Brenda (Grandma) and now I feel compelled to write another, for my lovely bride’s step-mum, Joyce; the second wife of about twenty years, of Jane’s now late father, Jack. 

So what does this all mean?  It means my kids; albeit young adults now in their own right, are still blessed with two grandmothers that love them unconditionally.  And yes, that is important.  Joyce Norman (aka Nana and/or Nanny) has started her journey back to England to where her life is lived. My wife, and my teenage daughters, Zoe (in college) and Alex (Grade 12) have had an absolute blast with their dear Nanny Norman.  And you could tell by the devastating heartbreak that was rife in our home when it was time for Joyce to leave.  Even my girls’ boyfriends had their hearts won over by her too.  As a father, it was a pleasure to watch.

Our son Martin, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia on the far west coast of Canada, spent almost an hour on the phone with Nanny just to say goodbye.  This, again, is a true testament to family love.  Love is, indeed, one of God’s greatest gifts bestowed on us all.

And the joy was all so simple!  We enjoyed those good old fashioned evenings of Rummy-Cub and Rumolli and had laugh after constant laugh around the family dining table.  Now, that is what it is really all about.  Not all that pretentious money driven stuff; but the simple family stuff. 

I’ve heard of those stereotypical horror stories about mother-in-laws, but I am blessed with two great ones.  And my kids are blessed with two brilliant grandparents, in Grandma and Nanny.  And it all leads to happiness and harmony and respect and love and laughter abound.

Thank you Joyce.  Thank you Nana (Nanny).  Thank you for flying over from England and spending four magnificent weeks in our home with our family; your family.  I am only sorry I missed out on the first two weeks because of being in a foreign country plying my wares in order to make my living to support your daughter and grandkids.  But I had the pleasure of two weeks of your company; and for that I am grateful.  But what makes me even more grateful is your promise not to leave it five years, like you did before, until you visit again.  I know you came close, tonight, to spending some money to delay your flight back to England by another week or two.  A noble thought on your part.   And as selfishly as we would have let you, you also realised that other family members have been waiting, patiently, for you to return.  You were welcome to stay, but you made the right and selfless choice.  Nanas have to spread their time over many people because you are at the top of the ‘love list’.  A position that is earned, over time, by acts of selfless love, kindness and devotion to others.  I tip my hat to you, but you know I don’t where one because I clearly do not have a hat head.  But if I did, it would have been tipped!

Safe trip home in this brightly lit harvest moon night as you also make your way back in these overnight skies to your England.  I know you will pass along all of the hugs and kisses to everyone when you get there.

You are not just a Nana or Nanny; with your cell phone and computer and all the other gizmos, you are clearly a techno-Nanny; savvy in the digital world that folks younger than you still find themselves alienated from.

Like a Mary Poppins, you came and left and it was all too soon.  Come back soon Nana (Joyce) because you will always be welcome here and a bed will always have your name on it.

God bless you for your delightful sense of humour and your unconditional love.  If you think, for whatever reason, that two years might be too long, then just come anyway.  Always knowing that with us, our hearts are always overflowing with love, thoughts and memories of you, you dear sweet lady.  And always know you are welcome to come back whenever you feel the need; two year, two months, two weeks or two days… we will all be waiting!

God speed, as I go to bed now, at 2:35 in the morning. This writer can go and peacefully rest, knowing that Bob will collect you when you land and then take you safely back to that place that you call home.  The home that my lovely bride, and her two siblings Richard and Helen, grew up in.

We look forward to your call in the morning to say that you are home; safe and sound.  Thank you for coming... and come back soon!