Steve is in Charlotte right now, sitting in a waiting room with his dad while his mom undergoes a four-hour surgery on her back.
Vernie will be in the hospital for 3 or 4 days before coming home to recuperate. I told her on the phone last night that she should really milk it and turn being a Queen for A Day into being a Queen for a Month. She said that was her plan. She also added that Ken was very good at not just meeting her needs but anticipating her needs so she knows she will be in good hands with him as her nurse.
I am so blessed to have such marvelous parents-in-law; it has been a joy to have had them in my life for the past thirty-two years.
Since we moved 7 hours away from them and don’t see them as often, we always especially look forward to their visits. Of course, when I say that we look forward to the visits, that doesn’t mean that they look forward to them very much.
I mean, look at all the hard labor they have to perform . . .
Changing the letters on the church sign!
Cooking!
Being forced by their eldest son to ride bikes endlessly up and down the street!
Doing repair work around the house!
And singing!
Steve and I have often talked about how cool it is that he and I both came from families where our parents love to sing.
Speaking of which, here are my parents, the Christmas before dad died, at a nursing home near where he and mom lived. The two of them went out several times a week to sing at various rest homes in the area. (And yes, that’s Nathan and Sarah listening to them. It’s one of the rare times they got to hear their Grandma and Grandpa sing together.)
And guess what was passed down to the next generation? Singing and more singing.
And speaking of singing, just try and watch this short video of Ken and Vernie without smiling! (Click on the red words.)
Marshmallow World (Ken and Vernie)
Vernie, we love you and look forward to the time when you and Ken are standing by side and singing again. Hugs and prayers to you from me, and all of the Smithellaneous Community.
If there is one thing of which I am sure, positive, and without doubt, it is that God is with your in laws now and always. Some people just find their way into the heart of God’s heart (yes, I meant to say that) and I know that your in laws are among that group. May the blessings continue as Vernie recovers without incident.
Sue,
Thanks for your always encouraging words. It sounds like Vernie is doing amazingly for which we are all most grateful!
Sending wishes for a speedy recovery to Vernie. Becky, all of your family is so musically blessed.
Thanks to everyone who has left such sweet comments for Vernie; I know she’ll enjoy reading them when she is able. Heard from Steve this afternoon and surgery went well.
Ken & Vernie are so cute together! It looks like Steve got his silliness from his Daddy just like Nathan got it from his Daddy! So sweet! I hope the surgery went well. Many prayers and well wishes for a speedy recovery and no setbacks!
hoping the back surgery is a success and that recovery is speedy.
Praying for a speedy painfree recovery, with lots of extra attention!
Hope your mother-in-law does well with her back surgery. I’m looking at back surgery in April. I’ll be interested to see how she does!
Praying all goes well with surgery and that she has an easy recovery…although, not to take away her Queen of the month status too early! I think all of us could use that title once in a while, huh?
sending lots of love and prayers for Vernie for a successful surgery and recovery.
Praying for Vernie, Ken, and Steve in Charlotte and you in Manteo. We really enjoyed having dinner with them for Sarah’s 16th birthday in August. We had met them in Smithfield once but it had been a long time since seeing them.
Praying for a success full surgery and a full recovery.
what a wonderful family you have!! loved the song havent heard it for a long time…. my mom sany and played the piano and organ but I do not ever remember hearing my dad sing he said he couldnt andnever tried that I heard. prayers for grandma that the surgery goes great and the recooperation is fast
Special Hugs sent to Ken and Vernie – what a beautiful couple they are and I can’t wait to watch the video – prayers too for a very successful and completel recovery (speedy one too) for Vernie.
Sending you and your family well wishes. Hoping your MIL has a speedy recovery.
Love,
Michelle-