I needed a reason to kick start me into blogging again, and trying to find a way to pay tribute to this adorable couple has done it for me.
Meet Ross and Darlene Moser, parents to my brother's wife, Melissa. The first time I met them was at Ben and Melissa's wedding, and I will never forget this soft hearted dad shedding real tears as he talked about his baby girl marrying my brother.
Over the years, as we've spent time with their family during family events, I've come to love this family of in-laws. I'm not sure I know any of my other in-laws the way I know the Mosers, and that's because they want to be known. They're genuine and real...and really fun, the kind of people you just feel comfortable around.
Last year we were all sad to hear that Melissa's dad had been diagnosed with cancer in his foot, but it was unimaginable when, only a few months later, Melissa shared the news that her mom had cancer as well. Over their months of fighting cancer, I'd laugh and cry as I read Melissa's email updates...which were just as real as her family.
But the one thing that always stood out to me in Melissa's emails was the spirit of living life her parents continued to embrace. Even on days when it seemed her parents felt their worst, there were memories being made with children and grand children.
A few months ago, Melissa sent out an email with the above picture attached. (By that point, I'd learned to read Melissa's emails with tissue in hand.) Of course the story behind this picture brought tears, but as always, Melissa's description had me smiling as well. The family was having what her parents thought was a surprise party for her brother. In Melissa's words, "As we were walking down the hall the band started to play. It was awesome! My Dad was really excited! He kicked off his shoes (he didn't have his dancing shoes, so socks were better) and grabbed Mom and started dancing."
Melissa then described how, for the next hour as the band played, she and her siblings took turns dancing with their parents.
That was Ross and Darlene's last dance together. Darlene passed away in January, and just yesterday, two months after his wife had died, Ross passed away as well. It's bittersweet to think of them dancing together in each other's arms once again.
When this picture popped up again on facebook yesterday, my mind filled with memories of times we spent with the Mosers, and how comfortable it always was to just sit and talk to Melissa's mom about anything...or nothing...or everything. It just didn't seem like words or a card or flowers could honor the memory of this life-filled, love-filled family, and the battle they've been through this past year.
Then it hit me... Random Acts of Kindness. We already have the facebook page, and it just seemed appropriate to pay it forward once again in memory of Ross and Darlene Moser.
Please join us. Forward this story. Forward the link to the facebook page. Tell your friends and family.
Saturday, March 9th is Ross's funeral, and while friends and family are paying tribute to him, we will pay tribute to them by spreading random acts of kindness that day in their name.
Join us on facebook or comment here. Share what you've done, or what you're doing, or how participating in another RAK day affected you... We'll pass it on to the Mosers.
Ross and Darlene, you're missed. Thank you for your inspiration and love (and for your amazing daughter, who is arguably the best thing that ever happened to my brother).
