MIL

Despite all the horror stories I've heard about the dreaded mother-in-law, I ended up with the best one out there.  Conversations I have about her with coworkers or friends usually involve the other party saying, "You're so lucky," and me responding, "I know."  But on the rare occasions when I hear someone else say they have the best one, I correct them, because they're wrong.

In the eight years I've known my MIL, she has become my friend, confidante, and constant source of support.  There are many reasons for which I love my MIL, AKA Glenda, AKA Gigi, AKA Mom, but here are just a few.

• She gave birth to my hubby and best friend, and the one without whom I would not have made my two beautiful babies.
• She raised said hubby, despite many attempts on his part to derail her efforts, to be a loving man with a big heart.
• She passed down her sense of humor, which remains one of the things I love most about my man.
• Her laugh is contagious, though sometimes embarrassingly loud.  (Just kidding, Mom.  I said that because you always apologize for being too loud.)
• She loves my children like they were her very own, except she has much more patience than their own mother can muster most days.
• She listens to me, probably more than she had ever hoped to listen to anyone in her life.
• She makes great cake.
• She loves animals like no one I've ever known.
• She loves holistic things as much as I do, and it's paradoxical because she also loves fast food as much as I do.
• She thinks I'm funny.  A must if you have to spend as much time with me as she does.
• She is giving of time, spirit, energy, forgiveness, grace, love and compassion.

I consider myself double-blessed because I got a wonderful mom to start with, but I inherited a second one when I married Brad.  

Thanks, Mom.  We love you.