It wasn't a stretch to figure out who I am thankful for today. When I met Aaron two and a half years ago, he told me about his large family and I knew I was in trouble. They are nearly all devout Catholics (which impresses me) with a strong sense of right and wrong, who came from small town Iowa. I had a kid. Out of wedlock.

Wanda was probably not happy with her son's choice, but she never once treated me inferior. She welcomed me, talked to me, hugged me, and more important than anything else, she accepted Nate. Ironically, I can't seem to find any pictures of her and Nate in my very cursory search, although I know I have them. She's never treated him any different, as far as love, than she has Sammi. That has meant so much to me, and so much to my son.

Wanda is slow to temper, patient, and very nice. She has inspired me to be a better woman, mother, and (soon-to-be) wife. She has come to be like a second mother to me (but one I tell inappropriate things to, and then blush because I really shouldn't have said that).

I'm thankful for her presence, but I'm also thankful for the things she has done for Aaron and I. She watches the children for about twelve hours a week so I can go in to school and take classes and work in the lab. She does this for free, and doesn't complain. She is helping us to pay for our wedding, and completely paying for the reception, because she knows we don't have the money and my parents don't either. She wants what is best for her son, and she acts on it.

I find that admirable. I find her admirable.

Plus, she's just too dang beautiful. She's always dressed nice with great accessories, and I'm normally in ratty old jeans and a threadbare t-shirt. I'm like the ugly step-daughter to her put together beautiful lady.


Wanda and Sammi the day Sammi was born.


Wanda and Sammi at Sammi's first birthday. (Check it out - she had no hair! Sammi, that is.)

Thank you, Wanda.

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Labels: thankful thursday