I'm not trying to speak for Anne, Ann or Jerry, but I think they would agree with me that we couldn't have had a better mother-in-law. She treated us like one of her children. When I hear others talk about their mother-in-laws being intrusive, critical or selfish, I think of how fortunate I have been. Mrs. Rybolt never tried to tell Arlen and me what to do or even hinted at what she wanted us to do. She encouraged us in whatever we tried to achieve. She would never talk about things like how much she wanted to have grandchildren, although I'm sure that was something that she looked forward to and she was thrilled when that time arrived.
I have known Mrs. Rybolt since I was 12 years old and I don't remember ever hearing her criticize another person whether inside or outside of the family; however, on one occasion she did comment on Matt's big feet. I'm sure that there must have been times when she wondered if I really knew what I was doing, but she never let on.
She had to be one of the most unselfish people that I have ever know. We all know of her generosity, but it went beyond that. She was genuinely more concerned about how you were doing than about herself. This was one of the characteristics that remained undiminished even after years of dementia. When we arrived at her room she would almost immediately ask if we were able to find a parking place and she would always ask us if we would stay for dinner.
One of her most outstanding qualities was her ability to even out life's emotional peaks and valleys. She celibrated the good times but never got carried away and she shared in the disappointments, but didn't seem to let them get the best of her.
She was a very religious person but she never preached. Even in her life's most difficult moments she had a quiet countenance that said more about her faith than words could ever express.
She had a wonderful sense of humor, even to the end, and it was fun trading quips with her.
She was a lady in the best sense of the word and I loved her very much.
Bill Rencher
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Perfect Mother-in-Law
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1 comment:
Thanks so much for sharing Bill. I remember towards the past couple of years her style of joke telling changed. She would tell the same joke multiple times a day, but every time she told it the punch line would change.
-Karen
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