Last week, on his birthday, I shared a thank you to my brother-in-law, Paul.  I have more than a few brothers-in-law and each is special; not only because they love my sisters!  My brother-in-law, Jon, also celebrated his birthday this month.  He and my sister have been together since college!  It rained like crazy on their wedding day.  So much so that the chauffeur driving the limo picked Jen up and carried her from the car to the building so she would not be soaking wet when she walked down the aisle.  Many rainy and sunny days have passed since that day.

Before our grandchildren came to live with us we had a few months to prepare for their arrival.  I’ve mentioned before that family and friends rallied support in so many ways–it would take more than 365 posts to say how much I appreciated it all.

Knowing that both Steve and I would be working, and wouldn’t be able to stay home for the summer with the kids, we decided to send them to YMCA summer camp.  Kash had been to the Y the summer before and had a blast, so we knew he’d be happy to go back and show his sisters the ropes.  We’d planned for the cost of the flights from Arizona, but we were going to be more challenged to cover the  cost of ten weeks of camp for three kids.  Even with the financial aid from the Y, it was going to be tight.

I don’t recall exactly when I’d mentioned it to Jon, likely at a family party, of which there are many.  As always, Jon was quick to say he’d like to help–there was no hesitation.  That is of course, not why I’d said anything to him. I found myself overwhelmed by his offer, feeling enormous gratitude…and relief.

To say that Jon works hard would be a gross understatement.  He is by far, one of the most focused and hard-working men I know.  One of the things about Jon I appreciate and respect most, is his amazing generosity.  Sure, he offered to help get my grandkids to camp, but in addition to that, he was a great Uncle to the kids.  They loved doing things with Uncle Jon, Aunt Jen, Zach and Max.

If you believe the old wives’ tale that rain on your wedding day brings good fortune, my sister’s life, as well as our whole family, was beyond blessed the day Jon became my brother-in-law!  Thanks, Jon!

Related articles

• Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother-in-Law! (365daysofthankyou.com)
• What being a summer camp counselor is really like (snagajob.com)
• The value of summer camp (jewishjournal.com)