Lent - 2014 - Day 37 - Juanita

Juanita

Juanita is my Mother-in-Law. I don't think she gets enough credit most of the time, so I thought I'd write about her.

Despite having only a High School education and never having a lot of money, she's managed to raise five wonderful kids and is the Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to a good deal more.  She would do absolutely anything for any one of them at any time. Period.

She was absolutely devoted to her husband Marvin and misses him everyday. She has learned to do pretty well on her own, but she gets lonely.

She lays awake at night worrying about her family.  If there is ever anything she can do to help, she does.

She loves us all with food.  If you ever leave her house hungry, it's your own fault.  If five people are expected for lunch, she makes enough food for twenty, at least.

She and Marvin used to dog sit for us and she would cook for my dogs. Seriously, she would buy canned salmon and cook it up with eggs and feed them. She loves dogs, and they love her.

She is proud of every one of her kids and their families.

She is Faithful and prays for us all daily.

She goes to as many of her children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren's events as she can.  She's almost 87, so sometimes it's hard for her to get there.

She has photos of all of her family all over her house.

She never misses a birthday or anniversary, she always sends a card.

She has a great sense of humor and isn't afraid to laugh at herself.  She once lost her dentures and after a very thorough search it became apparent they would never be found, she'd have to get new ones.  It was close to Christmas so we went out and bought her a set of Bubba teeth (you know those fake teeth that make you look like you have buck teeth?).  We wrapped them up and gave them to her at Christmas.  She opened them up, laughed and put them in! She even let us take her picture!  It was hilarious. 

She remembers everyone's favorite food and always tries to make it for them when they come to visit.

She can't sit still.  If she's not folding laundry, doing a jigsaw puzzle or cooking, she's rubbing her knee with her hand while she sits.

We all have flaws, some of us are just better at hiding them than others. No one can ever accuse Juanita of playing games, she is an open book. With Juanita you will always know exactly where she stands. Sometimes we have to remember that she is just being genuine and that we should not take her tone or approach personally (I struggle with this one a lot). She does not mean to offend, she's just getting right to the point. I think she's afraid if she doesn't make a fuss she won't get noticed.

I wish she had more faith in herself.  She is a very good woman with a great heart.  If she had more confidence in her own abilities I think she would be happier.

I love her and am glad she's in my life.