Life Lessons

Claude is a great man with true integrity. I have known Claude for 23 years and I have had the privilege of learning many life lessons from him. The top three lessons I have learned are:
1. Family is paramount. Claude values his family and works hard to keep relationships close. Examples of this are the monthly family dinners, Labor Day vacations, Wolf Creek, weeding parties etc. He has provided many family traditions that are so meaningful. As I look back on all the activities we have done as a family, I am grateful for the fun memories.
2. Be generous with praise. If you want to build up your self-esteem, go hang around Claude. He is quick to tell you he loves you and other nice compliments. Some of my favorite compliments he has given me are..."you're a great mother," or "you're a wonderful cook." With tears in his eyes as he says it, you know the compliment is genuine and heartfelt.
3. Look on the bright side of things. Claude knows all too well that life can be difficult. The death of his father at a young age, and being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his 40's are a couple of examples. Although Claude has had many difficult situations in his life, he doesn't let it get him down. He always has a smile on his face and spends his time focusing on the positive aspects of his life, even though it would be so easy to complain about hardships. I have always admired that Claude chooses to dwell on all the lessons he has learned in his life and the blessings he has received.
I have always considered myself lucky to be able to call Claude my father-in-law!
Happy Birthday, I love you!
--Jodi