Today on her birthday, let me tell you a little about Claire. I'm lucky enough to be her daughter-in-law and I absolutely treasure this woman. She's an inspiration to me every day and I simply love to spend time with her.
Claire has this way about her that just puts people at ease. I love this about her: We'll come upon her talking to someone, engrossed in easy conversation, and we'll think, oh, Claire's run into an old friend again. And then we'll come to find out, she's only met them moments ago. But the thing is, they ARE friends already. And that that person will remember Claire, for certain, remember the way she made them feel so very important, the way she really listens to them, gives them her heart. It's no surprise she really does run into old friends everywhere she goes.
Claire is so patient and so careful with her time and her tasks. When you are with her, the world slows down and you don't need to rush anymore. There will be time enough to get it all done, and beautifully. There must be, because she does. She always thinks of the little touches--the bits of pine tucked into the box of Christmas presents, a bit of ribbon tied around a plain package, just the perfect flowers arranged on the counter-- to make everything feel a little bit more special.
I love being in her home, because she creates such comfort and beauty there. So many little spots to nestle into, all with something beautiful in sight-- but nothing fussy. There is nothing fussy about Claire! This is a woman who can handle anything the world throws at her, and meet it with graciousness and calm.
The best thing is watching her with my children. The way she helps them explore the world around them, guiding them as she follows their lead. Giving them her utter attention, sharing her peaceful aura; its a beautiful thing.
Did I mention she's an artist? And she's the keeper of the family stories, and a lover of good books, and a friend to animals. But mostly she is a person who just feels so good to be around. We are lucky indeed.
Love this!
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