Mother in Law Day

Next Sunday is Mother in Law Day.  I am posting this a week early.  My mother in law, who is seriously ill, did not have a good day today and I fear this is going to be the pattern for whatever days she has left to her.  I'm glad that for today and Monday, my posts were written in advance.  If I am late posting comments please forgive me.

We can thank the people of the state of Texas, where I lived for almost a year in the mid 1970's, for Mother In Law day.  It is observed on the fourth Sunday in October, and is modeled after Mother's Day - except the day is to honor the mother of your spouse.

My spouse never knew my mother, who passed away some five years before we met.  But my mother in law has been in my life since 1970.

A relationship with a mother in law can be quite complex, depending on the culture you live in.  I majored in cultural anthropology back in my college days, and learned about societies where a man had to avoid contact with his mother in law at all costs.


In our society, some relationships are close, and some are not.  One newspaper even published some quotes to provide your mother in law with, if you chose to.

In other cultures, like ours, the daughter in laws and mother in laws have varying relationships.  I've seen some of the various flavors (as I am old enough for my friends and I to have grown children) - some good, some not so good.  I am not the parent of a married child, so only time will tell how I take my position in any such future relationship.

Persian Shield - my son's favorite

For my mother in law, here are a couple of virtual flowers and foliage for her.  Our growing season is over, but their memory remains.

My mother in law is a three time cancer survivor, has raised and cared for a son who is developmentally disabled, and has shown strength in a lot of situations.  One thing she can not say is that her life has not been boring.  And now, she is still starring in still another role- how to spend your final days with grace.

My relationship with her has been complex - but I will say that many in her life love her dearly, and are praying for her now.

Happy mother in law's day to all the women who are or act in the role of mother in law.

Day 21 of the #Ultimate Blog Challenge #blogboost