I’d like to pay tribute to my mother-in-law, Judie, a woman whose perseverance has set an example not only for all of her kids, but for all of us to follow. In the summer of ’92, before I began dating Julie, I knew her mother as a customer at the Bin, the natural foods store where I worked. Back then she was just Mrs. Flynn, and once a week she stopped in to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, bringing a ray of positive energy into the store. I first took notice of her kindness when my dad went in for open heart surgery. Judie expressed great empathy, even though she hardly knew me. Her kind words and prayers gave me some peace of mind during a turbulent time.

In August of that year, Julie and I began dating. The day after our very first date, the two of us were hanging out in the Flynn kitchen, holding hands at the table. Mrs. Flynn came in, beaming at the sight of the two of us. It was as if she could recognize just by the way Julie and I looked at each other and how we interacted that something powerful was happening. In October I found myself sitting at the same kitchen table, across from Mrs. Flynn and her husband (a great man in his own right) asking for their permission to marry their youngest daughter. My stomach was spinning, concerned that wanting to get married a few months after Julie’s sister would add more stress to everyone’s life. Yet Judie never hesitated in saying “of course.” I was welcomed into their family with open arms.

What inspires me about Judie is her knack for finding the goodness in people despite their flaws. I am amazed that she raised three daughters as a single, working mother until she met Mr. Flynn. Furthermore, to witness her battle rheumatoid arthritis and maintain a brave face, never complaining and never slowing down; to see her always extending a helping hand to whomever she can, most importantly her family, time and time again, makes me want to be a better parent and a better human being in general. (more…)