Paul and Adrienne came to visit us in Arkansas this weekend. At first, I was a little nervous about seeing them because although I had spoken to them several times, I hadn't seen them in person since a few days after Dave's funeral. I wasn't sure if it'd make things better or if I'd be reminded of Dave even more and it would actually make me sadder. The minute they pulled into our driveway, I immediately knew it was going to be an amazing visit. Not just because of the fun things we've done (such as hiking in Devil's Den and seeing the Norman Rockwell exhibition at Crystal Bridges museum) but because we have had so many laughs and we've simply enjoyed being together. Paul's brother Raygand also joined us after a couple of days and when he and Paul get together, they are 10 year olds all over again, hence why we laugh so much! It's also been wonderful seeing my family lovingly embrace my in-laws and Raygand, as well as express their love for Rachel, Johnny, and Lexi (who we Skyped with but they were greatly missed) and so many others from Dave's side of the family. Even though there's no denying that there is someone missing in all of this, I still feel a sense of relief and comfort when my family and Dave's family are together. Thankfully, our families loved each other from day one and even though this has been a rough time for all of us, we've all gotten even closer than we were before.
Rachel and I have also loved each other since the beginning. I knew I couldn't get married without her standing up there with me. She's not my sister-in-law, she's my sister, Johnny is my brother, and Lexi is my niece. We might not be related by blood but they're family. My brothers' wives, who I also consider sisters, have grown to love Rachel and formed a wonderful relationship with her during the wedding weekend. One of them even offered for Rachel and her family to stay with them when they come visit in August with Paul and Adrienne! That time when everyone is together can't come soon enough. But to fill some of that time I will be visiting Johnny, Rachel, and Lexi in Fort Lauderdale next month for Lexi's ballet recital. Can't wait!
When I think about Dave's and my families loving each other so much, I can't help but think "how often does this happen?" I know so many people who don't get along with their significant other's family or the families in general don't get along. I have never had that problem and I can't believe how blessed I am in that area of my life. When people ask me if I'm going to stay in touch with Dave's family after all of this, I say "absolutely 100% yes". While we all know that one day things will change and life might be very different, I have promised Paul, Adrienne, and Rachel that no matter what changes occur in my life, they will be there every step of the way and I will be there for everything that happens in their lives as well. And I consider myself a woman of my word: when I make a big promise like that, you can be assured that I will stick to that promise. I told Rachel when I texted all of this to her that in this day and age, if it's in a text, it's official LOL.
So God, thank you for bringing this amazing family into my life. I seriously have no idea what I and my family would do without them. Dave is missed every day but the Adams and their extended families sure bring a lot of joy to us. And I can't help but think that Dave will play a part in making sure that we stay together. In my eyes, we are no longer "Dave's family" and "Kate's family", we are now one big happy family :)
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