Thursday, March 24, 2011

Meeting in the Middle


Last Sunday was Joe and Kellye's three month anniversary. She asked him not to plan anything after work as she wanted to take him to the restaurant gone to on their first date. She presented him with the gift of slippers as she thought his feet looked cold in the evenings when they are home together. My heart rejoices in the sweetness of these early days when every small thing about the other is noticed and cared about.

Two halves of the same heart from the moment they met, Joe wants nothing more than to marry Kellye and take care of her all of his life. Meet the Parents dinner planned to move things along,  wedding discussions for September. Mother meeting mother worries, will she love my daughter as much as we love Joe?


What will they think of parents who have allowed their daughter to move in with Joe? Will they know the answer would have been "No" with anyone else? Will they know she wouldn't have asked for anyone other than Joe? Will they know we are honorable parents who raised their daughter as best we could?


This remarkable young man was raised by parents deeply devoted to God, but like our own daughter struggles to hear God's call. Apostolic Faith every day, Catholicism haphazard at best. Two young people with parents who prayed too much and parents who didn't pray enough finding each other right in the middle.


A mother who asks her son will she see him in church on Sunday, a mother who asks her daughter does she believe in God. Mothers who end their evenings praying for their children and not themselves.


Two mothers soon to be united by the love of their children knowing in their heart God's plan is greater than their prayers.

I can't wait to meet Joe's mother.

19 comments:

Diane Mars said...

E- We had all 3 of our Children get married in the same year and a half of each other... it was a challenge meeting the other parents, some very religious, some rich, very interesting I must say. And now each married couple with two children each our 6 grands and 1 more due in April... our lives are full. oxox, Diane

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

I have not had any of my children get married ...yet...but it is not too far off in the future with 5 of them! I am sure Joe's parents will love both you and your husband as much as they love your daughter. Prayers for everyone ♥

Hope said...

I happen to love my daughter's soon-to-be ex-inlaws. While the marriage fell apart, the love of two sets of grandparetns for the kids and grandson does not go away. We are vastly different types of folks, but we respect each others differences. It is the best for everyone!

Lisa said...

Powerful post, Elizabeth!

annemarie said...

Beautiful post - both of mine are married - one in the Catholic church - the other not. It was hard to accept a nonCatholic marriage but I truly believe I cannot force my beliefs upon my children. I love them for whom they are and their happiness is what is most important to me. I am sure your daughter will have a lifetime of happiness with Joe.

vivian said...

i cant wait to hear about this meeting. They will LOVE you!
hugs
vivian

ImagiMeri said...

Hey dear friend,

Knowing the amazing person you are, my prayers are for a new found friendship. How great that your family is about to expand.

Big hugs & lot's of love,
Meri

Tresa said...

My daughter and her husband had a whirlwind engagement. They had only known each other for a few months before they were engaged. They have been very happily married for 5 years and are expecting their first child (my first grandchild--YAY!) any day now. Sometimes you just know when you've found "the one". Sounds like Kellye and Joe know and will live happily ever after. I hope you have a wonderful time meeting Joe's parents.

Sewn With Grace said...

Sometimes I think it's not that I pray too much (it's never enough) it's that I don't trust God enough. I believe that it should "look" one way, and God is working things out "His" way, which is always better than mine. He has a definite plan here and I pray that it's one that leads them both to the feet of Christ who will bless them with an incredible marriage. I didn't come to the full realization of my need for Christ until I was 32 (I'm 49 now). Though I was raised in a Christian home, God needed me to go through some things so that He would be glorified through my story. Their story is being written. Blessings!

★Carol★ said...

They will love Kellye and they will love you and your husband too! And I'm sure that there will be a special connection between you and Joe's Mom, because although fathers certainly love their children, I think it's mothers who take special pride in their children. I can't wait to read all about it!

Decor To Adore said...

I love this exciting new chapter in your life. Thanks for giving us a peek.

The check is in the mail. :)

Pieceful Bits said...

I'm sure they will find all of you quite lovable:)
Happy Meeting (~~) Julie

Paper Dolls said...

I prayed that you will find that you are great friends and that through this relationship, your children will see that they need God at the center of their lives! I love reading your stories, whether they have cute items or not. I think you have a great ability to tell your story that grabs us by the heart strings. I am glad you will continue to write. I will be looking forward to the rest of the story!

Tammy said...

You may be surprised to find, the things we've taught our children, that we think they have left by the wayside, come home to rest. My own daughter considered her Confirmation day, her graduation from Church. I was lucky if she attended during holidays with us. I learned it was pretty much the same for her now husband growing up! I fully expected this daughter of mine to marry on hilltop with the sky and birds in attendance! And, I was ready to accept that decision! This year we will celebrate their first wedding anniversary. And, need I say, when it came time to plan their wedding, it was IMPORTANT to both of THEM to receive the Holy Sacrament of Marriage in the Church! Whatever their choice, it is love that brought them together and love that will bind you all. In-laws and out-laws, Church or not! God Bless you and yours!

My Vintage Studio said...

Elizabeth, this is such a great post...wishing you a wonderful (not too stressful time) when you meet the parents evening.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Hugs, Sharon

GardenOfDaisies said...

Elizabeth, it will all work out OK. Those two kids love each other and his parents will see that. They will love your daughter for loving their son. (And probably for a lot of other reasons too.)

SagebrushFarm said...

My oldest just turned 18, so i am learning how to be the parent of an adult. I have learned to trust God more as I trust her as well.
The fact is, we do raise our children as best as we know how, according to our own convictions, then TRUST HIM for the rest! :)
Thank you so much for sharing this post as it has touched and encouraged me. :)
And, I will be praying for you as you meet the in-laws and continue with the wedding plans!
Blessings!

purplejan1976 said...

Hi Elizabeth,
Wishing you and your family
a wonderful and memorable special
weekend.
Hugs,
Janis

Scrap for Joy said...

I'm thinking of you today as you have the Meet the Parents dinner. I'm sure everything will go well and you will find that you have many things in common (like 2 great kids) with Joe's Mom. Be yourself and bask in the glow of all of the happiness floating about!
xoxo