My B-day was the middle of last month. My Dad called on my B-Day and asked me to hop a plane to spend some time with my Mom who was having a tough time recovering from knee replacement surgery which she had a week earlier. My brother was scheduled to fly in from Singapore for a business trip and Dad thought it would be good for Mom to have all of the original Rags clan together for a few days. Mom, Dad, Me and Pooh-Bear (my younger bro).

So as a surprise at my B-day dinner my wife handed me tickets to fly home to Mom and Dad's the next day.

This letter from my In-Laws came in while I was at home with Mom. My wife just dug it out of the mail pile and gave it to me last night.

Hi Rags,

Just a note with your birthday card to remind you how much it means to (wife's Dad) and I that you were the soul mate that fate, God or whomever picked out for our (wife's name here). You became her rock when she and (the Skid) were starting fresh in a different state and you continued being her strength through all of the good times, bad times and just obnoxious times all those years. (of course, once those long, long, long legs got your attention you were a goner anyway!) (And, of course, that charming little (Skid) was a pretty good lure too!)

You've all been so good for each other and (Wife's Dad) and I are very glad you're part of the family - you've been very patient with our "quirky country ways" (and our very Native American sounding words and place names out here on the "left coast")and thank you for teaching us about engineering and a bigger, faster-moving world that still allows people to be themselves - happy - eager to enjoy life - even in a fast pace environment.

Keep on being yourself - our daughter's husband and our grandson's father.

Happy "Middle Age" birthday!

Love you lots!!

(wife's Mom and Dad)

Well, they got me with that letter. I actually choked up a bit. I guess at some level I knew that they appreciated our marriage and the little family we have made (Wife, Me and the Skid) but this is the first time they have ever expressed their thoughts on the topic.

Maybe I will have to back off a bit on my criticism of my I-L's decision making abilities. At least they can recognize a good thing when they see it!

I know I did when I tripped over their daughter's "long, long, long legs" and watched those legs chase ducks around the golf course with that little tow headed toddler I have raised as my own.

Best regards,