Eclectic Shades Magazine November 2019 | Page 44

MIL Mom in Law

by Stephanie M. Janssen

Freelance Writer

With the holiday season upon us, some of us tend not to be excited about turkey time and Christmas Holiday caroling because holidays also means family time. Family time with relatives you might not want to visit with because well, you know, sometimes relationships between in-laws don't mesh.

My mother in law visited us from Europe this October, and it was pleasant for a little while. We went to the beach,we stayed up late drinking wine chatting about when my husband and I lived overseas near them. It was a great family trip!

My mother in law and I have similar interests, but after this recent visit, I realized we do, and we don't. She and I are different.

I first noticed this when we all became sick with a stomach virus. It was a nightmare! First, my son, then me than my husband's mom, then my husband! My mother in law is 72, so of course, we were more concerned about her and my four-year-old then our selves. My son was getting better, while the three of us were sick. We decided to take her to the doctor and let me say I wished I had never volunteered. The visit to the doctor was four hours. Let me remind you that I was also ill. I slept in the car while she was hooked her up to an IV because she was dehydrated. My mother in law was being taken care of while I slept in the car struggling, trying not to vomit. When it was time to leave the clinic, I got no thank you. Not even a thank you from my husband.

Once we all began to feel better, I felt strange being around her. She made some comments about my husband and me and our relationship. Those remarks from her upset me and made the rest of her stay with us very uncomfortable.

When I asked my mom friends if they truly get along with their mothers-in-law, they laughed, and I got various reactions. Some said no way, we fight all the time, or sometimes, or she is not that bad.

After she had left and the dust settled, it was back to normal at our house. Believe it or not, I missed her. We continue to Facetime and text. I realized we do have plenty in common. We look forward to seeing her once again in May of next year and hopefully have a better time together. In the end, she is a lovely woman and friend!