Four Meaningful Women In My Life

Here are four people I am thankful to have in my life:


Nelwyn Metting (My Mother)-I don't think I can express in words how incredible my mom is. Something that sticks out in my mind is that although we had our "spats" when I was a child, and boy did we, not one time did I ever doubt her love for me. Her patience was thin with me at times......okay, many times. But she never allowed me to lose sight of the big picture of how much I meant to her. Mom, something I appreciate so much about you is when I look back at my childhood and even into my early adulthood, sometimes you would tell me what I needed to hear, and sometimes you knew it was best to say nothing and allow me to learn life's lessons the hard way. I got into a lot of trouble and despite being so far removed from God for a period of time, I knew where to come back. I attribute that to you and the fact that you never gave up on me....even when I had about given up on myself. And it is a lot of fun watching you be "Grammy" to our boys. You are so good with them. The fun times we had when I was a child, as well as the ones we share now are what I think make our "mother-son" relationship so unique. Mom, you are one of my best friends and I feel pretty special because of it. Not too many men can say that. I am proud to be a "mama's boy." I love you!


Cody Browning (My Wife)-Next Saturday, I will have been blessed with 12 years of marriage to a wonderful woman. I remember asking her the day before our wedding, "What are you doing?" and I still often wonder how I could be so fortunate. Cody, I love you so much! For so many years, I have struggled to find myself. I still to this day have yet to learn how to truly love myself as I should. But I have made so many strides because of you. And while I still have a long way to go, you continue to be patient with me. Thank you! It is so amazing to me how some of your unconventional ways can drive me crazy, yet at the same time make me fall more and more in love with you as each day passes. You are so comfortable with who you are and I adore and admire that about you. And it would take an incredibly large book to express in words how proud I am that our boys have such a loving, caring mother who sacrifices so much for the happiness of others. It is an honor to cherish you. I have fun being your husband. And I am glad we are friends. Thank you for all that you are. I love you!



Carol Browning (My StepMother)-Carol is one of most compassionate, loving, and thoughtful people I have ever known. Carol, I couldn't be more proud to have you in this role in my life. Your kind heart is such an example to me. And I thank you for loving my dad as much as you do. You are an incredible person. Thank you for all you do for me and Cody as well as for the boys. They love you. I am so amazed how when you married dad, your family took me in and treated me as if I were their own. Not one time did I ever feel like the "step-grandson" to Grandma and Grandpa. I love and miss them and will always be so grateful to them and to you for treating me the same. I love you!



Kathy Overbeck (My Mother-in-Law)-You can tell I haven't spent a lot of time with her lately, because I am writing something kind about her. Ha! I couldn't resist. My mother-in-law is truly, hands down, no questions asked, the most selfless person I have ever known in my life. In the almost 15 years that I have known her, I don't remember ever being around her when she is not giving and sacrificing for someone other than herself. Kathy, I am so grateful for the wonderful job you and Papa Charlie did in raising your daughter. The boys and I are the benificiary of that...big time! And I thank you for your unconditional love you have for your family. Your ability to not be judgmental is admirable. You truly are an example to me. And I don't think I will ever be able to express to you enough how grateful I am to you for putting up with and overlooking my arrogance, all for the sake of peace and unity. You are a true depiction of what servanthood is all about. And it gives both me and Cody such a secure feeling that the boys get to see and experience first hand your love, ethic, values, and example. I love you and admire you more than you will ever know.


The happiest of Mother's Days to each of you. Thank you for everything! I love you all!