you marry their entire family. Isn't that how the saying goes? True, true, true.
My amazing niece, Ali got engaged a couple of months ago. When we found out Ali and Patrick were officially engaged, I screamed. Todd breathed a sigh of relief. I don't think Todd could have survived a break-up. Patrick fit into our family the moment he stepped in the front door. He and Todd are like long-lost-brothers who have at last been reunited. A profound passion for golf and beer keeps them closely connected.
I love the way Patrick looks at Ali - like he just realized why he is alive. When she catches him staring at her he still blushes. He is sweet and sincere and he and I have even survived some brother-sister arguments with our relationship still intact - a true sign of family.Patrick can have a conversation with anyone. He jumps right in and helps with the kids and the dishes. How could I complain? I will be so very happy to have him as my nephew(!).
A few weeks ago I stayed at my in-laws cabin for a week so I could study with no interruptions. Walt and Laurie picked me up, took me out for breakfast and sent me on my way in their Subaru as they would for their biological kids. A family that I wasn't born into, but that has accepted me and loved me, flaws, idiosyncrasies and all. Last week they visited us and hung paintings and shelves - cleaned out the garage and potted plants . . . all things I asked them to do because we just never quite find the time to do it ourselves.
Todd and I have been together for 14 years so I can't say I am new to the Gammill family. While there are times when we haven't all seen eye-to-eye, I have never questioned that their intentions are anything but kind and pure. My bro-in-law, Timmy, seems to appreciate my sarcasm and Kirk has been a little brother I never had. Since Kirk and I are the youngest in our respective families, I think I cheer for him with a touch more energy. Todd's cousin, Sue, has become a friend and a confidant. I would choose Sue and Steve as friends, if we met out in the real world. Soon Kirk will marry Kate and I look forward to the relationship that I am able to have with her. The Gammill family has something my own family doesn't - lots of kids around the same age! Time at the Gammill cabin is filled with karaoke, ping pong and poker tournaments - something I love. There are little guys running around with my own, building relationships and memories that will exist forever.
I don't think I fully understood the idea of marrying into a family until I was already there. How important it is to realize what a big part of your life your in-laws will be. I was able to meet Patrick's parents and sisters a couple of weeks ago. They were so kind and welcoming and seemed to appreciate my wild boys. Megan and Maureen were the kinda girls I could sit and shoot-the-$h!t with and Todd has already enjoyed many rounds of golf with Pat and Eileen.
And so another aspect to my charmed life . . . amazing extended family. Jim, Arturo, Kate, Christal . . . all of them wonderful.
