A tribute to my father-in-law,Rudy!

I have to be honest here-I have been putting off this post for about a week now.It is a very special,yet hard one to do.It is about my wonderful father-in-law,Rudy Roberts.He has been for me the past 8 years,a place of smiles,warm hugs,encouraging words,laughter,and a example of rejoicing our Lord through any circumstance.His eyes sparkle crystal blue and absolutley shine evey time he smiles!He is very strong in his faith and encouraged his spirit with everyday sitting on the porch reading the Word.Some of you know,but others may not know that he has Alzheimers.This has been a very hard journey for the past three years.Normal everyday of what used-to-be has turned into confusion and frustration.This visit a couple of weeks ago revealed the true reality of this disease to me.I saw the sharp difference in my dad's behavior and it hit me the hardest so far.We are visiting them more and I truely cherish every moment I have with him.My mother-in-law,Diane is a great example of a rock and angel.She is strong for all of us and is struggling to do everything she can to make things 'normal'.I truely have been so blessed to have such wonderful parents through them.I love you both so dearly.And,yes,my make-up is shot,but I knew it would be.
Dad is always explaining things to Grayson-dont get too close to the creek,ect...
Everytime we come around,it never fails-dad loves to play with Grayson-he turns into a kid everytime he is around Gray!!
Here is Jason's brother,Ricky,tilling up the land.
Ricky found an old glove in the dirt-no telling how long it has been there!!!
Here is another chance that dad has taken to explain something about life to Grayson.
You have to know that dad keeps us in stiches-here Gray and dad are at the outhouse by the barn!!!
Grayson picked me a flower-my sweet baby!!
Going to MawMaw's and PawPaw's is such a great get away for all of us.Grayson is very spoiled and has absolutely soo much fun!!Like I said before-what Grayson wants-Grayson gets!!!
Here is Kimber-Jo,the newest member of our family.She loves to smile!!
All of the boys playing-these are Rickys other kids-Marion missed out but we will go back soon!
They had a blast playing with each other!!!
Even though the days on the porch reading the word,remembering what day it is,being able to do everyday tasks,and to fully understand what is going on has disappeared-the thing that does remain is the love he shares,presence of his wonderful spirit,and that beautiful and wonderful smile!!!!!