Kevin's mom left this morning. She was here for four days. There was a time in our marriage that the THOUGHT of her staying more than one day would have had me in tears, and Kevin frustrated. I did NOT enjoy our time as much as I could have. I took everything she said as a personal attack. I was insecure and newly married. How DARE she come in and say, "________" (fill in the blank with ANYTHING the poor woman said!)
The more I grew to know here, and let my defences down, the more I realized how much she had to offer me. She is a totally unique woman with a very compassionate soul. She loves her kids, and would kill or die for them. In turn, she loves me and my kids. She embraced Brett as if he were her own grandchild. She offers advice without judgement. She is fun, witty, and wise. I love her.
She spent the kids' 4-day weekend here with us. She had hot meals cooked when we got home from work. She whipped our butts at Rummy more than once. She took care of the girls, went to church and my mom's Easter dinner with us, and we talked and cried about Kevin's brother Steve. We just sat and enjoyed life, and I was sorry to see her go home this morning. I was almost depressed on the way to work, knowing that she'd be home by the time I took my lunch break.
I wish I hadn't wasted those 4-5 years being bitter. You see, Linda didn't change. No, she's the same woman she was when I married Kevin. The change came from within me. Mom taught me that. She tried to tell me several times, when I'd talk to her. Linda wasn't trying to hurt me...she was wishing the best for her son. Once I embraced her for what she was, she pulled me into the family, and I'm a better person for it.
I hope Linda enjoyed her stay. She was sick the whole time she was here, but didn't let it slow her down. Poor thing coughed until she pulled a muscle in her side. Still, she cooked a big pot of ham and beans, cornbread, and fried potatoes to be done the MINUTE I walked through the door from work last night. Bless her heart. She wants to see the people she loves happy. I'm happy. I miss you, Linda. See you soon!
5 comments:
Just be glad you learned in 4 or 5 years. It took me lots longer.
Sounds like a good MIL!
I am glad that you like your mother in-law.........I say you only get one good one, in a life time. Your mom was and still the best mother in-law I ever will have. We had our downs, and up's but wouldn't have traded her another one. Besides she never has to worry about being replaced, not that she is worried.
I'm glad you realized that about your mom-in-law. Isn't it funny how much smarter we get in our 30's? :) Russ
I feel the same about my MIL - I love her to pieces....
~Amy
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