We attended a wonderful weekend of events honoring Rick Curry, John’s brother-in-law, who passed earlier this year. John’s other brother-in-law, Tim Baldwin, passed a few years ago.

I never spent a great deal of time with either man, but they were giants in my eyes. Both were amazing husbands, dads and grandfathers. Both were caring men, hugely successful in their careers. And both were confident and kind in the way that the treated others, folks they knew and loved, and others who needed their help.

My favorite memory of Tim and Rick is from the day of the funeral of our father-in-law, “Pop” Stein. The three siblings, John, Judy and Susan never left their Mom’s side. Mom Stein was small in stature but a strong woman; however, on that tragic day, she was frail and needed the presence and assurance of her kids.

The memorial service had ended and we were preparing to go to the graveside when I realized I didn’t know what to do. John, at that moment was busy with his grieving mom, and had jumped in the car with her and his sisters. I headed to the vehicle of one of our kids to ask for a ride when I saw Rick and Tim.

They were walking across the parking lot heading right to me, smiles on their faces, saying something like “Come on, we’re the three outlaws.” I hugged them both, realizing that they had come to rescue me.

The rides to the cemetery and back to the church were, in spite of the sadness of the day, were joyous experiences. These two men, having been in the family much longer than I, knew just what to do. And, I realized that day in the car that they were truly my brothers – I could depend on them. They had adopted me into their families and into their hearts.

In all of the years that I knew them, that never changed.

Would you sit with me for a bit? Maybe we will see that one in front of us who needs a ride, a hug, a helping hand.

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’^{” Matthew 25:40}