Not always as things, or people appear

Inspirational Perspective

• Not always as things, or people appear

We had dinner last night at Andrea and Kevin’s home. I didn’t think about it last night, but Labor Day represents the 23rd anniversary of the day that the General (aka-My Wife) met Kevin for the first time. I had met him in July after I moved to Austin to start work at a new job.

Actually, I should clarify that the General and I had just moved from Midland to Austin. We located temporary housing in South Austin and I started to work on July 1, 2001. Treva and our household followed sometime near the end of August. Consequently, we were new to the neighborhood.

I don’t think Andrea was purposefully holding her mother at arms-length away from Kevin. I’m sure she never considered the possibility that the General would frighten him away. At least, there is a question mark in my mind associated to her thoughts in that regard.

It was simply by happenstance, but the Saturday Kevin could have been meeting his future-mother- in-law and my extended family for the first time, Kevin was involved in an accident on the lake. We were at a family reunion in Nocona. Andrea received a telephone call letting her know Kevin had been injured in a wakeboard accident and had broken his femur. We drove back to Henly late on the Saturday night before Labor Day.

Andrea spent Labor Day 2001, at the hospital with Kevin. Around mid-morning, she telephoned us to report that she and Kevin were hungry for something other than hospital food. She asked if we would bring them a pizza.

Obviously, Kevin was still on a high dose of pain medication. What other rational explanation could you suggest for knowingly allowing Andrea to invite us to his hospital room? He would have to meet her mother.

I’m sure I made a mental resolve not to mention the fact that had he given priority to attending our family reunion, he probably wouldn’t have broken his leg. And certainly, I wouldn’t have suggested, “Let that be a lesson to you.” I’m sure in due time, I was less protective of the importance of making a good first impression. After all, first impressions are lasting.

Kevin was very gracious and extremely personable. He also didn’t look nearly as old as I had been telling people. I had been telling people that Andrea was dating a much older man. When they’d respond by asking his age, I’d reply that he was about my age. They would then look at me like, “You’ve got to be kidding.” I’d say, “Yes” and then offer an explanation that he was over ten years older than Andrea.

Apparently, the General made a good impression. When she subsequently invited Kevin a couple of months later to join us for Thanksgiving, he accepted the invitation. Did I mention that Kevin’s family of origin was relatively small? He was not accustomed to “everybody and their dog” coming for holiday celebrations.

I don’t recall how many people were present, but it reportedly was many more people than Kevin anticipated. He didn’t express shock or seem uncomfortable in our presence, but Andrea later reported back that he was at a loss for words. He had no idea that we generally invite a stray or two who have nowherelse to celebrate.

I guess one good turn (or perhaps meal) deserves another. It wasn’t long after Thanksgiving 2001 that Kevin invited the General and me to his home for a meal. From all appearances, Andrea and Kevin seemed to be hitting it off very well.

In addition, Kevin seemed to know his way around the grill and couldn’t have been a more gracious host. On the other hand, I’m sure he was highly motivated to keep me in his good graces. After all, at some point in the future he probably was going to ask me for Andrea’s hand in marriage.

I’m sure it was strictly coincidental, but at some point, Craig suggested that he and I invite Kevin to come over and do some skeet shooting with us. I guess you could say that “Kevin was game.”

He agreed to come and seemed to enjoy the experience. Did I mention that someone took a photo of Craig and I standing on either side of Kevin holding our shotguns? I have to admit that he has been an incredibly thoughtful and loving son-in-law. He treats Andrea with the highest level of respect and dignity, and we are grateful that he is family.

Who says, “You can’t live and learn?” Obviously Kevin and Andrea subsequently did. The General and I are blessed that they choose to spend an inordinate amount of time us. Their culinary skills are top shelf. Kevin definitely falls into our favorite son-inlaw category. All My Best!