I thought it would be nice to feature my Mother-In-Law's home in my project. You would love my Mother-In-Law. She is the type of person who will go out of her way to help others. Last year she took my Wife and her Twin Sister along to North Carolina to volunteer for a solid week putting together Christmas boxes for families in need. This year instead of going to North Carolina, she took on a personal ministry. She took us into her basement where she has stored hundreds and hundreds of items which were either donated or purchased by her or one of her lady friends in preparation for all the boxes they are going to assemble for needy children. Her and a few ladies from her Church are doing this as a personal ministry to help others in need. My Mother-In-Law still works about 30 hours a week, and in spite of her necessary living expenses, she will find a way to make this personal ministry work, even though she really cannot afford it. She is quite amazing. They moved into this house back around 1986 after my Father-In-Law was laid off work. He was unable to find work back in PA, so he eventaully had a job offer here in Ohio. The wages were poor, and the medical benefits were not good either. He only worked in his new job a few years until that was gone too. Approximately five years after they moved here, my Father-In-Law was diagnosed with Cancer, and given 6 months to live. Well, he was also a fighter. He fought it hard, and in spite of all the odds, He lived another 4 years, passing away in November 1996. It was very difficult financially on them, because when he lost his job in PA he also lost all his medical benefits, and his benefits here were not good either. Once diagnosed with cancer, they had to find ways to make ends meet. The cost of all the testing and treatment was outrageous, but somehow they made it. It was a tough journey, as it all fell unto my Mother-In-Law to figure out how to make all the ends meet, but after his death, it was amazing how God worked in her life. He brought some amazing people into her path, and they provided her with the emotional support she needed to survive. Now she continues to thrive on being a servant to others. She has the knack for decorating, and takes great pride in making her house feel warm and comfy to anyone who needs a place to set a spell. That is who she is. I love her dearly.
She sounds like a wonderful person- the kind of mother-in-law that I hope I am, and the kind of mother-in-law I wish I had. I know God will be blessing her efforts. What a great testimony she is! And what a pretty home!
No wonder you love her so much! This touched me so much. I'd really like to be one of your mother-in-law's "ladies." Could you send me her address and a list of the sort of things she needs for this ministry? Is it just toys, or clothing too? We're looking for ways to make Christmas more about the real meaning, and my children are all old enough to prefer that I buy toys for kids in need than for them.
Rick, the more I thought about this, the more it made me think. We always adopt a child for Christmas, but even the kids in need where I live put things like iPods on their list on the Christmas tree at the libraries and post offices. I can't even buy those things for my own kids! But it seems to me that the kids your mother-in-law helps are kids who are really in deep need. I think you already have my email...but if not it is my full name, all lowercase @comcast.net.
@lauriehiggins Laurie, that is so kind of you. Once I return home I will forward you the information, and some of the items they are gathering. I am thinking things like socks, those knitted gloves, hats (beanies) probably scarves, etc. I will double check with her, but she will be touched by your offer. I was telling her all about the 365 group, and she was amazed at how people can connect even though never meeting. I assured her it is an awesome group of people.
Oh my Rick this has really moved me... your Mother in law is so wonderful and has had to put up with so, so much.... an amazing woman and no wonder you love her dearly.
Her home is a credit to her and it%
@digitalrn This really is an awesome community, and I love the friends and connections I have made here. Please do send me her address with a list of things I can be on the lookout for to send her for her ministry. People like your mother-in-law inspire me so much!
Thanks for sharing your MILs story Rick--she's a gem in the Kingdom, puts me shame, but inspires me to be a better person too. GOD BLESS HER. And I love her sweet looking home.
Beautiful "haven" and she sounds like she has God in her corner and may she keep well to do His work for awhile yet.
Lovely story and thank you for sharing.
What a lovely tribute. I have the feeling that you share your feelings of love with your mother-in-law and she gains strength fro that love. Her house looks as warm and inviting as she must be.
Her home is a credit to her and it%
Lovely story and thank you for sharing.
What an amazing person - thank for sharing her story with us - we could all learn from her.