Happy Birthday, Cindy Crabb!

Christmas 2004 with my great-nephew John

"A son's a son till he gets a wife, but a daughter's a daughter all your life"

I've heard this ditty forever and believed it. As a mother of two boys, I just figured I'd one day lose them to their future in-laws. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised.

My oldest son, Jerry, first introduced me to Cindy in 2004. He'd dated a number of gals at whom I'd raised my eyebrows prior to Cindy, but the night I met her, when she came to dinner with Jerry and me, I knew, absolutely knew, that she was the one and I was well pleased.

Enjoying the Crabb family back yard pool.

Cindy is an absolutely amazing young woman. She was born into an adverse situation, but instead of using it as an excuse for pity, she has treated it as an educational experience. And she has pushed herself hard to excel, earning a master's degree in less time than it takes most people to earn their bachelor's degree and excelling in her chosen profession of social work. 

Wedding Day, August 18, 2007

To me, she is much more than a daughter-in-law. She is a very close friend. Having only boys, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to plan a wedding; but, as a matter of fact, Cindy chose me to help her plan her wedding to my son and we spent 18 months on that project; bonding all the way. It helped much that she and I are both natural organizers and a week before the event, we sort of sat back and sighed, because we were ready!

Cashier at my grand yard sale in June 2008.

Joining me at Geocaching in Virginia Beach, VA, 2009. She is absolutely the best cache finder!

With my black shadow, Emmett

She has also continued the legacy of male Crabbs, giving birth to my two grandsons. She has made every effort to include me in every aspect of their lives. I was present at the birth of my oldest, Maxwell, and arrived on the scene five days after the birth of Zachary.

I adore this photo of Cindy and Max, just minutes after he was born. The expression on her face says it all.

Cindy with Zachary. By December of 2013, Cindy was an old hat at "birthin' babies." :D

The year Max was born, I moved a great distance away from this little family that I love so much, but Cindy has been great at keeping me in touch via regular video chats. 

"Screen capture" during a recent video chat. 

This woman, with her zest for life, her love of family (especially embracing our zany one), her ambitious goals and her infectious cackle has captured my heart forever. And on this, her 30th birthday, I wish her much, much, much love and joy.