In the journey of motherhood, there seems to be a never-ending amount of hopes and desires for our children and their goodness, not the least of which is the prayer that someday, they will find someone — a mate who will love and support and cherish them as much as we do.
I can’t tell you how relieved my mama heart and mind was when Nathan, my “Different” boy, brought home the girl he had been telling me about, Keelia. Right away I saw that Keelia was loving, intelligent, deep, and kind — everything I had ever wanted for Nathan in a wife. And while all those are valuable things, the most important aspect of Keelia that I discovered quickly was that she liked me! ;)
Since Nathan married her on a roof in New York right before the pandemic, Keelia and I have not just been friends but become kindred spirits. I have had trouble my entire life finding kindred spirits, those who I feel “get” me. So what a wonderful kiss on the cheek from God it was when I was not only able to be friendly with, but be close friends with, my child’s spouse.
Keelia and I giggle at the same jokes, share our favorite books, cook together, and dream together. Being a woman after my own heart, Keelia recently started her own podcast (she must be a Clarkson girl) after launching her online magazine, Wallflower Journal. Her podcast, Dear Wallflower, in likeness to my life’s work, is a place where she hopes to encourage, empower, and minister to women through all the issues they face today (it’s also a really fun podcast!). Every week, they read an anonymous letter from a listener asking for advice (just like “Dear Abby”) and offer sound, wise, and gentle insight.
I highly encourage you and any of the women in your life to listen if you’re looking for a place to find hope, insight, and beauty. I can’t emphasize enough how important and valuable it is to pray daily for the spouses of your kids, not only for their good, but for the joy and lifegiving-ness of yourself and your whole family. You can listen here: