Acceptance

Shortly after Shawn and I started dating, he stopped by my condo to let me know that he had scheduled a dinner for us to meet his dad.  I was excited about meeting someone of so much importance in Shawns life but I was instantly nervous about making a good impression.  The big night arrived and I still remember how sweaty my hands were as we rode up the elevator to his dads apartment.  There are a lot of sweet and quirky memories that I still hold dear from that night but the one I hold closest was the awareness that I was fully accepted for exactly who I was simply because I cared for Shawn. 

My father-in-law with Jonah and Nicole at Christmas time

In a society that is trained to spot the differences in everyone and everything, Shawn's dad made the counter cultural decision to lavish his unwavering acceptance upon me that night.  Dennis wanted to know if I cared for his son, and once he knew I did, he ushered me in as part of the crew without any other requirements. 

That night remains a powerful lesson to me in the power of acceptance.  I love my father-in-law dearly, but it was an easy choice because he loved me first.   

I love you, Dennis!
Love,
Erica