RELATIONSHIPS: MOTHER, MOTHER –IN- LAW

Dedicated To All the Mothers – Happy Mothers Day

Mother: The sweetest thing on earth; the most beautiful word there can ever be.
Mother-In-Law: Everyone’s nightmare.

These are the two descriptions of mother and mother-in-law accepted world-wide. Well mother is definitely the best creation of GOD, but I am not sure why the notion of mother-in-law is so skewed.

The first mother-in-law daughter-in-law pair that I have known are my mom and my grand-mother (the most wonderful person I’ve ever known. May her soul rest in peace) – and I can guarantee that anyone who have seen them would envy their relationship.

My mom always said she had two moms – her birth mother and her mother-in-law. She goes on to say – “My mother-in-law has been even more caring”. Seriously where would you see a mother-in-law packing lunch for her Daughter-in-law, where would you find a relationship where she finds comforted talking to the daughter-in-law than her own son? - Well this was how it was with my dearest mom and grand mom (whom I fondly called Naani – short for Naanamma).

It was probably because growing in such environment that I have always looked forward for a relationship like that – and I must say I HAVE ONE!!

I gave my mom-in-law a small present – it wasn’t a lot but it was precious to her. I felt like she called me the moment she stepped out of the shop. I could feel the happiness and joy in her voice. She called me to say “Thank You”. Wow!! She really didn’t have to do that.

This reminded me of my grandmother’s look on her face when my got her something – say a new saree – “Ippudu naakenduke picchi daana” – she would say. She would be happy and show everyone.

Now I know why mom said – “I don’t have to teach you how to love me, I know you would of-course do that. But love your mother-in-law. She is your new mom; treat her like you would treat me and the way you would like me be treated and I guarantee you would have a great life ” – though these are not her exact words – but this is what she taught me. So very TRUE!!! THANK YOU MOMMY for the great advice.

And yes, of course I should love her. She is the person who gave birth to the love of my life; he wouldn't be the person he is today if it wasn’t for their parents’ upbringing. If he is loved so much by me, their parents deserve the same too.

So the bottom line is "There is only MOM – Mine and His"

Happy Mothers Day to all the MOMS