Stories to Savor

I was recently blessed to spend some time with my ninety-six-year-old mother-in-law. I’ve written about her before—her early days as a migrant farm worker and her years as an entrepreneur running a Bible bookstore.

In this photo, she’s holding another photo and telling the story behind it.

It’s humorous in the way an innocent prank often is. She was fourteen, and she and her cousin thought it would be funny to take the leftover beer from an adult’s can, smear it on their faces and necks, and stagger around pretending to be drunk.

Her nineteen-year-old brother did not find it the least bit funny. Convinced she was actually drunk, he scolded her. She insisted she was innocent and told him to smell her breath—certain that would prove the truth.

Stories like that bring a smile—and a beautiful reminder that we were all young once, playful, maybe even mischievous, and full of life.

Many of her stories tell of strength, determination, and a relentless commitment to family.

Even though the later years often come with added hardships, if there are stories to tell, it’s worth taking the time to listen and ask questions.

Some stories are meant to be savored—and getting a glimpse of the playful fourteen-year-old she once was makes my sweet mother-in-law all the more endearing.