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My Father-in-Law

8/21/2015

4 Comments

 
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Lots of women have, or have had, a father-in-law.  But not every woman has had one like the one I had for fourteen plus years. I have to put the “plus” on there, because even though the man was legally my father-in-law for fourteen years, our relationship did not end when my marriage to his son did.   I am convinced, and it would be a tough case to prove otherwise, that I had THE perfect father-in-law in John J. Ladiski.

As I mentioned, even though my marriage to his son did not work out, he remained a very important part of my life through the years.  That alone takes a very special man and I know that few men out there would continue to treat their former daughter-in-law with the love and respect I received from this gentle and loving soul.

The fact that he continued to treat me as family even after I was no longer legally family is not the reason I consider him to be so wonderful.  He came to the United States on a boat as a young boy with his family.  He grew into a fine young man and served in the United States Army in World War II.  The young woman he married was the love of his life until she died in 1999.  With his wife by his side, they raised a family of six girls and one boy.  It wasn’t always easy…he worked hard not only in a factory, but also by farming.  Because he was a church-going, God-fearing man, he knew that there was no need to run from trouble or hard times—he faced them head on and he came out a better and stronger man after each trial.  I never, in all the years I knew him, heard him utter one negative word about anyone.   He not only loved his children and grandchildren, he loved them enough to teach them about love and how to be wonderful, caring, self-sufficient adults.

Four years ago today, his family, friends, and I had to say goodbye to this wonderful, amazing, loving man.  But even though he is gone, his love and life lessons are still with us.  I feel it and see it every time I look at one of my sons.  I am so thankful this man was a part of my life.  I treasure each and every time he would tease me just to see my face turn red; I treasure each and every time I would run into him somewhere  and he would pull me into a hug and plant a huge kiss on my lips; I treasure that his children allowed me to visit him and gather one last hug and kiss before he passed away; but most of all, I treasure the fact that he was a very special man put on this earth to be a blessing to so many others, including being the perfect father-in-law to me.







John J. Ladiski
9/5/1918 – 8/21/2011



4 Comments
Mary Ann Fizzell
9/5/2016 05:54:10 pm

This man was the most loving father, both generous and humble. Thank you for your words of love, Ruth.

Reply
Carol Bishop
9/6/2016 02:48:46 pm

He was a great uncle to me, we had many good times when I stayed for week vacations as a child. As years went by he never lost that sense of humor. I loved him very much :)

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Richard Ladiski
9/6/2016 02:42:08 pm

Every thing she said was true for a lot of us. He meant more to me than anyone will ever know. All of his children learned many of his kind traits. I didn't have the opportunity to talk with all of them, but Kay, if you're any indication, you're entire family has a house in heaven prepared by Dad. Love you all.

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Bill Nemanis
9/7/2016 03:30:36 am

John, just like his brothers and sisters was a wonderful person to know and to call friend. He and Mary loved the music and songs of the old country. I played for their 60th wedding anniversary at the ZCBJ hall in Bannister. I miss him dearly.

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    I currently live in Michigan with my husband, Donald.  I have three sons and one daughter as well as four grandchildren.  For as long as I can remember I have had a passion for writing.  I give God all the credit for allowing me to share my writings with you.

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