The Mother In Law

I was actually (days) pregnant in this pic-- little did I know!  heeheehee.

Flying out to my husband's family tomorrow.  We'll be with them for a week.  I really don't like calling my husband's relatives "in-laws", seeing as the term in our society has come to connote a less than affectionate relationship so much of the time.  My relationship with the hub's parents, particularly with his mom, has always been more wonderful and amazing than I could ever describe.

Once in a while, I get the question, "So, do you get along with your husband's mom?"

And I always start out with a little chuckle.  Hmmmm... how to explain... My mother-in-law has been an angel in my life since I started dating her son more than ten years ago.  She has profoundly impacted my life in such a way that I could never describe.  Whenever I have a problem or concern, she is always there to provide wisdom.  She's wonderfully compassionate, wickedly smart and has that Midwestern, no frills, immovable practicality that never ceases to amaze this dramatic, chaos-ridden  Brooklyn girl.

I firmly believe that mother-in-laws have a tremendous power and influence over their children's marriages-- whether they are directly involved in day-to-day activities or not.  My mother-in-law has always been a force that helps bring my husband and I closer.  She has taught me-- and continues to teach this product of a single parent how to be a wife-- cause honey, those things are MADE, not born!