I remember so vividly the first time I met my father in law. There was a gentleness that I connected with right away. He was kind and open. Although only dating his son at the time, he was looking at the long term for his son and praying if I was "the one". It didn't take long and I could tell by his eyes that he knew. (His eyes--so tender and loving and often allowing tears to flow freely--I already miss them. He was so quick to feel the presence of the Lord and respond with tears of joy.)
He later told me that as he was asking the Lord if I was the right wife for Matt, the first night after we met, that he felt "his heart grow bigger" to make space for his love for me.
How beautiful is that?
He was open enough to love so many. I imagine his heart was bigger than many hearts will ever be.
Thank you for loving me, Dad. I know you are now in the place you most longed to be--in the presence of our Father--and that brings me the kind of joy that makes tears flow. Thank you for teaching me that ❤️
-Jen Duxbury
