Sisters In Law

 

I have 5 sisters in law.  My brother's wife Taren, I don't have any recent pictures of us, then...on my husband's side...I have Jenny, Bridget, Shirlee and Todd's sister Teresa.

 

I crazy loved this girl.  In so many ways.  She loved God with her whole heart, instilled scripture into the heart of her children.  She would always tell her kiddos "I love you so much!  But, Jesus loves you the most!"  Her love for her family has deeply imprinted my life.  She is no longer with us and I mourn that I can't see her laugh and hug and kiss her.  But she is always my sister!  My sister in law, my sister in Christ, I will see her again one day.  Jenny, I love you so much, I will always miss you.

 

  
This is Bridget, She is married to Todd's brother Trent.  I crazy love this girl too.  She always makes me laugh, she encourages me in God's truth and we have our own little silly words we say to each other.  We think they are funny...no one else gets it.  But, hey!  We have earned it, that is what you get for hangin' out with the family after 14 years.  It doesn't get any better.  I am so blessed.  She always has a different perspective to bring to the table.  I appreciate her joy and realness in life.  She is a beautiful woman, inside and out.

This is Shirlee! She is the youngest brother, Brent's wife. Isn't she lovely?  We have always had a great time when we get together over the years.  I particularly enjoy her competitive nature during our card games of Michigan, she hates to lose.  This woman is amazing with the kids.  She really plays with her kids--pretty sure she is the only auntie to get on the floor and wrestle with the munchkins--and I have a lot to learn from her.  I regret not calling and keeping up with her and really getting to know her better.  After Jenny's death, family relationships become more valuable and I am scrambling to make every moment count with my kids and loved ones.

 This is Todd's only sister, Teresa.  When Heidi was 3 she would point to a picture of Sleeping Beauty and say it was Aunt Teresa. Such a pretty lady, inside and out.  Teresa has been such a gift to me over the years.  She loves the Lord, her family, and teaches me to do the same.  She has had to say some hard things to me over the years, but...because I know she loves me unconditionally, I know she has my best interest in mind.  I appreciate her willing to share her thoughts with me so that I will be a better person for the Lord and for my family.  I can't tell you how much I love this lady.

                        Todd, myself, Teresa and Bob.  In the midst of deep sadness and loss, we smile. 

               When I married this amazing man, I didn't know I would gain such an amazing family, deep relationships, have sisters in law that I loved so much...and loved me equally back.  I didn't know I could know such an awful pain after losing someone that you expected to be in your life pretty much forever.  I never even thought for once that we would experience such pain.  But I wouldn't take it back either, it isn't the end.  We will see her again.