Today I am thankful for my father-in-law, Lew.  He's taking us all to dinner this afternoon at Ponderosa.  The kids love it.  And he loves it, too.  Lew will turn 93 next month, and he lost his second wife just a couple years ago.  I know get oftens gets lonely.

So he takes his "kids", the youngest of whom is my 54-year old husband, to breakfast every Tuesday morning.  Anyone who can come shows up to spend time together and have a meal.  It's great fun.  And he usually invites someone to go to dinner with him a few times a week.  Tonight's our turn.  Lew always pays.

I love spending time with Lew.  The smile on his face when he watches the kids just melts your heart.  He's just fascinated with his newest grandson; he thinks Brady is a very advanced baby.  "Look at him smiling.  He's really paying attention good.  He can sure hold that head up, can't he?"  I guess it's been a while since Lew's been around babies.  But he's a proud grandpa.

And he's a generous and giving soul.  If it weren't for Lew, we wouldn't have our home.  He gave us the down payment.  I remember the first time he came over.  There were tears in his eyes as I gave him the tour.  I think he was happy for his son.

So today, and every day, I am thankful for my wonderful father-in-law.  I'm looking forward to seeing him today and to hearing one of wonderful stories.  He's got a lot of them, you know.  I hope I live to be 93.

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