Okay this is going to be a strange subject for a post but when you experience things or situations that make you stop and notice you just have to share them with others. Please understand that this post in no way diminishes the appreciation or relationship I have with other people in my family but I have to share about my Mother-In-Law.
For most men when speaking of a Mother-In-Law, they are in an agitated or physically ill state. I however am not. My wife’s mom Billie (yes her name is Billie) is often times referred to as a saint. She would argue against that which her humility only adds to the reasoning. Over the decade that I’ve known her, I could count the times I’ve seen her angry…wait, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her truly angry. She is a rock for her family. She has always given when it’s asked and many times even when it hasn’t been. Whether time or money or anything else anyone could ever need.
The prompting for this post is a phone call I received last week while I was away speaking at camp. I had to drive down the mountain each day to get a signal on my phone. About midweek I was checking my voice mail and I had one from her. She was calling to simply tell me she was praying for me and that she was grateful to have me as a Son-In-Law. She also said that she loved me. In case you didn’t understand…that’s a big deal. Mother In Laws don’t traditionally call just because; at least not without agendas. They also aren’t known to bypass the awkward barrier and say, “I love you,” to a child they didn’t raise.
All that to say, the bar has been set and I am a blessed husband. Anita, you’ve got a lot to live up to. I know you can and will be an incredible Mother-In-Law one day. With the anguish and frustration our Son-In-Laws will have to endure with me, they’ll need you.
To Billie, thank you for all you do for our family. Thank you for loving your daughters, grandchildren and even your flawed, stubborn Son-In-Law. You are loved and appreciated. Have fun with Rylee this weekend.
To my Mom, thank you for loving me so much that it takes someone really special for me to notice. I have never been alone or unloved thanks to you. I’ll share about the Mom you’ve been but I’m sure that will be a two-part post at least. It’ll take one alone to explain the birth of Bobby. I love you.