Today is the birthday of my mother-in-law. There are not words to describe how very fortunate I am to have her in my life!
Where do I even start? She and my father-in-law opened their home and arms to me when I started dating their 'baby boy'. I wanted to tell them he is neither a baby or a boy, but I would find out soon enough that your children will always be your babies. As I planned and prepared our wedding, my MIL had a few "words of wisdom" to share with me.....that I didn't receive so willingly. I haven't forgotten these words...........but I have forgiven. And since that time, she has been part of me. She was so helpful when my mama died. Who would have known that I would need her just the same 5 years later when my daddy died.
We have grown close over the years. She has shared things with me that only a mom will share with a daughter. I believe the turning point for me was this....
About 3 Christmas' ago, she and I ran to my least favorite place to pick up a couple of necessary items for the annual bar-b-q. The return trip home would take us near a cemetary where many family members are buried. She asked me to stop. As we meandered around the burial sites, she stopped at one, put her arms around me and we both cried. You see, this is the one in which her first born is buried...he was 19 at his death. It was the first time in all the years I've been in their family that she has let down her guard about her feelings. It was at this time that I was, for the first time, able to call her 'mom'. She truly is a mom to me.
I love you.......mom......
Blessings...
G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised In The South)
Beautiful how this relationship came full circle. MIL's are not always pleasent as so many have told me....mine has always been wonderful and I learned much from her over the years...have only seen her cry a few times, but I knew when she did that it was simply another one of the many bonds between us....she's the only Mom I have now....LLJ
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