Wednesday, March 28, 2007

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

For many years, my hubby and I have had a standard rule for visitors to our home. "The first day of your visit, we treat you like guests. After that, you are family." Generally, that means we show you where the eating utensils and extra blankets are kept, and if you need a cup of coffee or bowl of cereal, you are on your own.

But this week, we had to adjust the rule just a tad. When Dana walked in the front door, she was welcomed as "family" even though the wedding is still in the planning stages. The granddaughters are puzzled whether to call her Aunt Dana or Miss Dana or Hey You. They settled on Miss Dana though I have yet to hear anyone actually use her name when addresing her. Whatever name she is tagged with, she has fit into all facets of our life.

Patty and I are especially thankful that she loves the kitchen, for cooking and for cleaning. Dana is a preschool, special-needs teacher. One of the younger future nieces has shadowed her a lot this week...and this shadow is silent. Embarrassed, scared, unsure, fascinated and curious about this new relation, she approaches Dana with her head bowed but her eyes following. She tries to keep both future groom and future bride in site at all times.

It has been a special time, and we are, as always, impressed with Geoffrey's decision. She fit in very well, meeting our family and friends. She holds her own when being singled out as the brunt of the joke and when playing board games. Best of all, she loves the Lord and Juneau and Geoffrey. Maybe not in that order.

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