My Mother-In-Law – A Woman of Character

“And just what are your intentions in regard to my daughter?” she asked.

Now THAT floored me. What a question to lay on a guy the first time we meet!

But that’s my mother-in-law – blunt, no-nonsense, an up-in-your-face style – and with a smile. Plus, she’s a foot shorter than I am! I almost left.

However, her protective nature, honesty, and wonderful daughter made me stick around – for life. From that inauspicious beginning, it has become my privilege and my honor to know this strong woman, wonderful mom, and one of the most competitive people I’ve ever met.

Plus, she’s smart – quietly, diffidently.

Abandoned by her mother as an infant, and the youngest of three, she was placed in an orphanage by her father (until she was out of diapers). His mother then resentfully raised her.

A child who walked 5+ miles (one way) to swim – often daily – is one of the many early examples of her independence and stubbornness. Conversely, the number of close friends from her childhood with whom she is still close friends today demonstrates the TRUE meaning of B.F.F. – and loyalty. Her internet photo-shopping, genealogy research, game-playing, and email reminders of love to her kids reveal her intelligence and lack of fear to embrace a new, technical world.

A young woman at eighteen when she married, she later had three daughters, whom she raised to become educated, independent women, great moms, and loving spouses. Along the way, she found time to work in a doctor’s office, in retail, and then acquired her real estate license.

But here’s her story.

Tough, stubborn, smart, my mother-in-law also possesses a vast reservoir of love – despite her tough start in life and the lack of adult examples to follow.

And she’s a woman of character.

After they married, her husband’s mother truly became the mother she had never known. From her surrogate mom, she learned what mom’s teach their daughters – by example and by lessons – about family, kids, and marriage.

She didn’t have to remember, but she never forgot. When it was her turn to care, she did for several years until her mother-in-law’s last few weeks.

Unwavering love. Loyalty. But most of all, an understanding of commitment to others – family or not.

A woman of character.

Thank you Mom. I’m a better man for knowing you.

Food for thought.

Mac

#WomensHistoryMonth