To my Mother-in-law : Happy 4 years to us!
She came in and put her arms around me. Gave me a glass of water and helped me calm down. She asked me gently what happened. Listening her smoothing voice, I cried more loudly and I told her. Not sure if she understood my babble while crying. She went out of the room. Within minutes, I heard the word ‘Sorry’. I looked around and saw him standing. Behind him, she was standing. This was our first fight post wedding. That’s how one of our first dinner dates happened — because of her, my mother-in-law, our hero of the evening!
On 26th November 2017, while I was committing a lifetime of togetherness to the man I chose, little did I know that I am being blessed double — a caring husband and a loving mother-in-law. Thanks to my stars. Thinking how these 4 years went by, it just brings smiles and laughter! Be it our lazy long morning chit chat, sunny day walks or our morning grocery shopping time while waiting for the man of the house to wake up ;) Be it working our YouTube channel together, painting together, spending time playing cards / badminton or binge-watching a new TV series, I miss her so much here in London. And I won’t shy away from admitting that I had more long open and honest talks with her than ever with my husband.
So, as we celebrate 4th anniversary, I want to dedicate this post to her by highlighting the 4 top qualities of her which I admire the most. ( There are many more, but lets stick to 4 for now to mark the years of togetherness with her)
1. Her unbiased nature: This is the best! It takes a lot of courage to be unbiased to your own child as a mother ( and as shown in TV dramas, esp. in front of your daughter-in-law). She supports me in everything I do just like she would do for her son. She takes care of my choices as much as she does for him. And, in the fights and trivial arguments with my husband, she either remains neutral or ends up speaking for me ;) Rare are the moments, she takes his side which brings a sigh of relief to him!
2. Her lively nature: There is never a dull moment around her. She is always beaming with energy. Formerly a teacher, she knows how to keep lift our spirits on rough days or how to make us move around, go outside and enjoy the evenings. With her, even the long drives are so much fun. I still remember the the game of 20 questions we played with her while paying a visit to a temple on the outskirts of Indore. It brings some good laughter.
3. Her child-like behavior: Pleasing her is so easy as she is delighted at the tiniest of consideration. I remember, I baked a cake for her on the first birthday we celebrated together after my marriage, she was over the moon! Creativeness is in her blood and her fingers are no less than that of a magician. And I am happy that she hasn’t let her creative side fade away even today. She isn’t worried about perfectionism, she is just happy to put her creativity and imagination to use.
4. Being open of new experiences: Her curious nature fascinates me as she loves to learn and ask questions. Even at the age of 60, she was more enthusiastic to learn German than we were. She is an explorer by heart. When she moved out from then a small city, Indore to metropolitan cities of India ( Gurgaon, Bangalore and then Pune), she opened her heart to experience new culture, new environment and new people. I remember, when I had an offer to shift to a city in UK ( which didn’t get through at that time), she seemed much excited. She did her entire research on the city and even told me places where we can get Indian masalas!
We have enjoyed a close relationship with each other– as my husband would often quote that he has married a version of his mother, for we are similar in attitude and share the same values. I think I have a good sense of her and she has a sense of me too. True goodness is hard to come by, and when you find it you are humbled by it. And that is all the more reason, I admire her!
So as I celebrate this anniversary with my husband, miles apart from her, I raise a toast to her for being a part of this beautiful journey. Cheers to us, mummy!
