August 16, 2009

Tribute series resumed--Momma Sue

Because it has been a while since I have written a tribute, I just want to make sure everyone remembers that I am doing this so that people know how much I appreciate them before they die. I'm saving the best for last.

Momma Sue is wonderful because she is incredibly diplomatic and has a very long fuse. I know this because she and I have different views in politics and religion and yet, we can discuss things without getting into a heated arguement. This is more a reflection on her than on me, who can get excited quite easily. I think God is trying to get me to be more like her in that area. This has also served her well in her blended families.

She is also judicious in her advice, meaning that she doesn't give much unless you ask her. The ability to hold your tongue when you are itching to be helpful is a rare and wonderful quality in a person. At least it is for me. Maybe she doesn't really struggle with the desire of giving advice. I have also appreciated her advice as the only woman in my extended family who has raised more than one child at a time (my mom doesn't quite qualify because her two kids were eight years apart, which almost makes them two only children). She is a living example that you can survive having more than two children close together with your sanity (mostly) intact. She has helped me keep things in perspective many time.

On thing I have really enjoyed is seeing her goofy side come out over the last few years. Granted, she has to compete against a hopeless goofball, but she rises valiently to the occaison and seems to completely enjoy participating in absolute silliness.

Finally, she is very generous in many ways.

Momma Sue, thank you for being a great mother-in-law.