42 years and counting.....

Tomorrow my in-law's, John and Connie, will celebrate their 42nd anniversary. What a wonderful milestone and more and more unheard of these days. Of course, my mind has been spinning gift ideas around and around and while a tangible gift of some sort will be extended, expressing my gratitude and admiration for the two of them is a gift that I feel is more meaningful. We have all heard the in-law horror stories. Books have been written and movies have been made on the subject of "monster-in-laws". I, however, have been blessed with a completely different experience. From day one, John and Connie have welcomed me into their family and treated me as one of their own. I clearly remember my first time meeting them and while I felt some trepidation and uneasiness to be expected when meeting my future husband's parents, they immediately made me feel comfortable and at home.

There has been a bit of a learning curve for me while entrenching myself in the Kolb family. From family gatherings that go into the wee hours to figuring out how to feed a group of 30+, I had some adjusting to do but I am slowly but surely working it out. I can stay up as late with the best of them and have purchased the necessary cookware to prepare large quantities of food.


Not only have John and Connie always treated me as a member of the clan but Jason's brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews have always allowed me into their inner sanctum as well. I believe this is a testament to the entire group's strong commitment to family. They all listen, joke, advise and humor me as though I am one of the brood.


On the eve of this momentous occassion, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank John and Connie. For always being there for Jason and I but never being overbearing. For being wonderful grandparents to the girls. For providing a strong foundation of family for Jason which has in turn translated into the devoted husband and father he is. I love you, I respect you and I admire you. Happy Anniversary.

"Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning."