lucky

I am lucky in this life. The people that I have known/know. I was just thinking about 'in-laws'. I had the best mother-in-law, for many reasons, but right now I mention her because she showed me how to be a mother-in-law.








Which brings me to my daughter-in-law. She has been the biggest blessing in this world. She could have been one of those daughter-in-laws who limits contact with her children, or turns her husband away from his family, but she didn't. She does the complete opposite. She brings us all together.

Now even she will admit that she can be challenging because she is living with a disease that causes a whole lot of distress in her life but, she takes control of that, just like you and I try to control the diseases that we struggle with - high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

One of the things I admire the most about her is how she handles that part of her, but the other thing I admire is how she is a woman of her word. Not the words spoken in anger, luckily, she is quick to let that anger fall away and then resume her life. I'm talking about the big words. Specifically, her marriage vows.

All who know her, and my son, know that they went through a HUGE rough patch. My son did the most horrible thing he could to their marriage. He had an affair with her best friend. 99.9% of the women on this earth would not have been able to do what she did. She eventually forgave him and they are working towards mending their marriage.

She took her vow seriously. I know she feels moments/days of doubt. My son isn't the easiest person to live with, and add that fact to the fact of his betrayal, and it takes a person of great heart to stand there and say, "I choose us."

I admire her strength, her love and her ability to forgive. She gave us all - my son and my grandchildren a great gift when she stood up and stayed true to her vow.

Another thing that I like is that she asks for advice. She doesn't always take it, but she asks, she listens and she considers . . . a parent couldn't ask more than that from their adult children.

My daughter-in-law is loving, forgiving, thoughtful and caring. She can be a mighty handful but above all she is true to her family. She stands firm for her husband and she loves with all she is.