My Father-in-Law

Today was the final performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. This was a show I performed in 22 years ago, with the same lovely people, in a lovely adaptation by Douglas Jones. Theatre IV was kind enough to ask us all to come back, and with our gray hairs, aches and pains, and the odd wrinkle and crinkle, we all said "Yes!". No regrets.

But I must say, this has been a wild year so far. My father-in-law has a terminal illness. And I've never mentioned it before. Not on facebook. Or here, but it seems time is truly running short now, and I just wanted to say a few things. Roland Pabst, my husband's(Joe's) father, is a fine man. Tall, with a full head of snow white hair and big blue eyes(just like Joe!). A gifted carpenter and handyman, always knew how to fix ANYTHING. I also say with complete admiration that he can be willful and stubborn as hell. Takes a lot of strength to be that way, and he has it in spades. And best of all, he has a sharp wit and sense of humor, and loves to laugh. Rollie, as his friends and family know him, would NEVER turn down the opportunity to laugh at a good joke. But it would have to be a GOOD one, mind you. His only son, and THE light of my life, Joe, will be performing in a show this spring called "Is He Dead?", by Mark Twain. Now, delicacy has dictated that we tiptoe around this title. But on my blog, I choose to celebrate a couple of things. One, that Rollie Pabst would be the FIRST one to laugh at the irony of the title. Sorry if anyone is offended,but I'm telling you, he would laugh. Two, that Joe has dedicated his performance to his Dad, who, more than anyone would appreciate being remembered in a show that made people laugh, smile, and feel good.

We don't know how much longer Rollie will be with us. But I just wanted to celebrate him a little. I'm glad he's part of my family. I'm honored to be married to his son.