I know I’m not the only one whose made a joke or two about “in-laws” in my lifetime. The “in-law” relationship has its own unique dynamic to it. Even when its good, you feel compelled to joke about it just because its normal.

BooBoo & LaLa with their grandkids at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
It works both ways by the way. I’ve heard numerous parents, in apparent “moments of weakness,” be forthcoming about their son-in-law or daughter-in-law. Fortunately, my my in-laws are above that kind of thing and they’ve got little to nothing negative that they could possibly say about their son-in-laws. ;>}
Today, I write to Robert & Theda Landry of Mont Belvieu, TX. They are the proud parents of Tisha Young and Tara Matson. Chris Matson and myself have the privilege of being their son-in-laws. They are widely known as BooBoo and LaLa.
Doug
BooBoo and LaLa,
I owe you both an awful lot. You’ve introduced to some of the finer things in life, things that truly are life-transfiguring. A lot of it, but not all, is food oriented. So the “life-transfiguring” aspect of it carries with it a significant downside if not careful. HaHa! My affinity for duck gumbo is from you. How else would I have ever been introduced to Nick’s boudin? I am a sucker for boiled crawfish thanks to you both! I don’t even need to get started on Sartens’s BBQ crabs! An ahnvee! Indeed, those are some of the finer things in life!
Seriously though, I was talking to a friend the other day about how having kids changes how you look at so many things. If I knew then, what I know now, I am certain that I would have acted in a much different fashion in my high school and college years. It’s amazing what parenting brings to the table in formulating perspectives on life.
So, I look at the futures of Haylee and Aby, in particular, with a certain sense of reluctance. How can I be at ease with the decisions that, Lord willing, they will one day face? While, theoretically, I know the answer, its the execution element on my part that most concerns me.
To my knowledge I’ve never told you this, but I believe you both did an amazing job of raising your girls. Especially, the Landry girl I married. I’ll let Chris speak for Tay. Tisha’s been a wonderful wife, much better than I deserve, and an excellent mother. She brings to our family a measure of intimacy that I am certain was handed down to her from her upbringing. I see it. I embrace it.
That you’ve been amazingly patient with a rather cantankerous son-in-law, I cannot deny. I am embarrassed about a number of my past trivialities. The tension that I brought with me must have made it difficult to ascertain how family gatherings would turn out. You both were incredibly graceful in the midst of it all. If you railed on me after us having left or you guys having headed home, its OK, you probably needed to for the sheer therapeutic value of it! Looking back, I think you understood more that I’d ever imagined.
You guys are great parents, wonderful grandparents (Crispy Creme’s notwithstanding), and loyal friends to many. You guys are loved across the board. That says a lot about you!
Boo, your work ethic is second to none. You would do anything to help anyone. Those are characteristics that I hope Reese grows up to recognize about you on his own, without having to have anyone point it out. They are qualities that I hope I am able to instill in him as well.
LaLa, that I couldn’t embarrass you at All About You earlier this month tells me that we are more alike than we might want to admit. We both do more to embarrass ourselves than others can do to embarrass us. All kidding aside, I think now we no longer use humor towards each other to try and soften situations anymore. Now, I think its a sign of an incredible “in-law” love and I love it. By the way, I forgive you for not having duck gumbo over Easter weekend!
Finally, thank you for the story you shared with me after lunch on Easter Sunday. I know the girls bolted as they saw it coming, but it was a story that I needed to hear. I’ve tried to keep you guys sheltered from my ministry disappointments for a number of reasons, but I’m glad that you listened when Tisha needed you. Moreover, I am appreciative of the fact that you both responded with encouragement when you knew I needed it! Thank you to you both for everything you do. I love you both!
Your Cantankerous Son-in-Law