My mother-in-law was the most incredible woman I ever met. I was extremely nervous about meeting her because I had such a bad relationship with my own mother, who was very abusive, but this wonderful woman made me feel like I was part of the family from the very first moment. She became my best friend.

This tiny lady was a nurse who’d served in WWII. After she had her son, she stayed home with him and never went back to work. Instead, she took care of her mother until she passed away. Over the years, she cared for her mother-in-law, other friends, and relatives. When her best friend passed away, she took her friend’s teenage daughter under her wing and helped her in any way possible. Later, when her friend’s children were born, my mother-in-law was a substitute grandmother.

When I first met her, she was caring for her husband, who had Alzheimer’s, as well as her older sister. All this while she had a blood disease and needed monthly transfusions. There was never a complaint and she had the most beautiful smile through it all. This wonderful woman passed away at the age of seventy-nine. She had a current nursing license and was active until the day she died.

My husband was puzzled because he would find a single rose on his mother’s headstone when he’d visit the cemetery. At first, we had no idea who was leaving them. We later found out that the “grandson” who joined the military would stop by when he was in his dress uniform. He’d leave a rose on the headstone and salute her because she’d been an officer.

I am so thankful that I had this woman in my life. She touched so many lives with her caring and kindness.

—J. A. O., Pennsylvania

   Little did I know that when I joined a pen pal club I’d not only find a great pen pal, but also an “adopted sister” as well. A woman from Australia was one of my first pen pals.

   At first we’d just exchange emails. Later on, we would send letters by snail mail. As time went by, we started to send gifts to each other. The first gift I sent was a stuffed bear for her daughter, who happens to be in a wheelchair. My friend has sent many gifts from her native Australia. These gifts would include things for my husband and grandchildren.

   Because my husband suffers from MS and her daughter is handicapped, we would discuss how to cope with loved ones facing life challenges. After a few months, my friend would start her emails: Hi; this is your sis from Australia.

   A couple of years ago I was found to have a growth inside my brain that required me to have surgery in order to remove it. Although the growth was pressing on an artery, which could’ve caused problems if not removed, by the grace of God it wasn’t cancer. Although my friend wasn’t there in person, she was there in spirit in many ways through her emails, cards, and letters. They always brought a smile to my face. She also made me feel better about losing my hair, which had to be shaved in order to have the surgery. About six months after my ordeal, my friend also started to have some health issues. I sent her cards and letters, as well as a cross that I was wearing during my surgery. My friend is also in much better health, and I hope that I helped her the same way that she helped me.

   In the last six months, we’ve started to talk to each other over the phone. What a nice feeling it is to hear a person’s voice that has helped you through many problems. Also, we have exchanged pictures of each other’s families, homes, and the areas of the world that each of us live in.

   I do have three sisters that live within three hours from me, but I never hear from them. My older sister never even called me when I went through my surgery, so it is really hard to think of her as a sister. Because of this, my friend means the world to me. Although neither one of us can afford to travel to the other’s country at the present time, one day we will get to meet in person.

An Aunt’s Love

My aunt has had a great impact on my life. When I was a small child, we lived close to her. She worked hard even then. Her husband was an alcoholic who spent his money only on things he wanted, and to get drunk. All the money that my aunt made was used to care for their four children. That didn’t stop her from spending her time with them, or her nieces and nephews. I’m sure I’m not the only one in my family that has fond memories of spending time with her.

We moved away when I was eight years old and I didn’t see her for over twenty years. When one of my uncles became ill, we decided that we should get together. I found out that she’s still the same wonderful woman that I remembered.

Several years ago I got divorced and I decided to move closer to my aunt. My son and I spent a great deal of time with her. He got the chance to know the wonderful aunt that I had known. He came to love her as I had so long ago. He still talks about all the things she told him and about the times they shared. Now that we no longer live nearby, she misses us and wants us to visit.

In her I found the friend that I guess I needed for a long time. When something was upsetting me, she would hold and comfort me. Because of her I am happy. My aunt taught me that I had to let go of the past.

Thank you for teaching me to be happy and for being there for me. I love you!

—Lisa Johnson, Kentucky

One Special Lady

I want to tell you about this special lady. She is my sister-in-law and a mother of five. When she moved here from Texas, we became two peas in a pod. One day while celebrating a relative’s birthday, I received a call from my mother. I knew right away that something was wrong. My mom told me that my grandmother had passed away. It took a few minutes before the tears started rolling down my face.

My sister-in-law followed us home to help us pack. I didn’t even remember the drive home. All I remember was standing in my bedroom while my sister-in-law threw clothes into my suitcase. Usually I’m the take-charge person in my family, but that night I was lost.

I sat on my bed and told my sister-in-law, “I don’t know what to do.”

“Let’s pray,” she said as she took my hands. After we’d prayed, she looked me in the eyes and said, “I know how much you loved your grandmother and this is hard, but you have to get it together. Your folks need you to be strong.”

This was a side of her I’d never seen. She packed the rest of our clothes, said one more prayer with us, and she drove home to her family. Torn with grief, we planned my grandmother’s funeral.

It was beautiful. It was my sister-in-law’s strong words and prayers that helped me help my family. I will always be grateful for that special lady.

—Gwen Pearson, California