Waiting for family and friends to arrive it was not unusual when you pulled in our driveway to find them sitting at their favorite bench right below the kitchen window, and the aromas that came from that window amazing!! You almost always knew what Louise was cooking. She was an amazing cook and an amazing mother and friend.
They were both always gracious and welcomed all who entered their home on Poppy Street. I guess we don't realize until we are older how much we learn from our parents. We realize when we are confronted with the same things they were confronted with too. It is how they handled issues that has taught me how to walk with unconditional love, acceptance and a patience I didn't think I had.
I would like to thank them for many things, but especially for never saying a cross word to our spouses, our children or their grandchildren. If they had strong opinions they kept them to themselves and let us learn to live our own lives our own way.
They somehow had the wisdom that once your children are grown, they must find their own way. I am sure they had plenty to say to me many times, but they were quiet and wise beyond their years. They really never caused me any pain or grief, I am not sure it was the same for them. But they walked quietly and endured whatever they held inside with grace and a quiet courageous spirit.
It says a lot about their character and their genuine love that I truly understand in the September of my years.
So no matter where you are in life...parent, grandparent, son, daughter, sister, brother, husband or wife... Let's teach our children kindness, patience, love, acceptance, love of country and God. Let's not let a generation of young ones get by us without passing on some quiet advice and show them by the way we live our lives how to live theirs.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is within your power to act. Proverbs 3:27 NIV
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