People who have true connections don't have to see each other everyday to stay connected. A strong bond with another person transcends time and distance and that's how I feel about Joyce. When I first met Joyce, I was the "new Swegle wife." Joyce had "seniority" and more important to me, she contributed Swegle children, something I could never do. We were the Alpha and Omega--she was a talented and caring person who provided a loving home to her family and took on challenges around the house that I left for Tony to do. Intimidated? Oh yeah. Joyce fit better into the family than I did. I didn't cook. I didn't grocery shop. I didn't do all of the wonderful things that she did. I worked outside of the home and that's about it.
But over time, I got to know Joyce and realized that we had more in common than I thought. We both have a goofy sense of humor and we both tend to tell it like it is (or in my case, how I see it.) We both love wonderful Swegle men and we both have terrific and talented children. Joyce taught me that I didn't have to change who I was to "fit in," I just had to acknowledge the differences and stay true to myself. Joyce gave me the power to say, "ouch" if something hurt and not keep it inside. She became my lifeline and sounding board and most important--my sister-in-law. Marriage didn't do that, we did, just by talking to each other openly and honestly. Joyce and I developed a closer relationship than I have with my own sisters.
As you are reading this, I'm sure you can tell that I was thrilled to get together with Joyce. We had a wonderful evening as evidenced by the pictures I've included. We talked, we laughed and we were goofy--who can ask for anything more?
My sister-in-law and me!
Did I mention that we laughed?!!!
Two of my favorite Swegles!!
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