A mama bear and her cubs

In recent posts I have focused on my wonderful children, and I would be remiss if I did not dedicate a post to my wonderful "additional children" I like that better than in law.  Sometimes that word just doesn't fit.  Think about it if you have a mother/father in law that you don't get along with imagine the tone one uses when saying "my mother in law".  I can't share that sentiment with the spouses that my children have chosen.

My additional son, married to my lovely daughter could not be more loved by me if I had given birth to him. I remember with unbelievable clarity when he came to our home and asked me for her hand in marriage.  He does not not know the peace he brings to me.  Peace because of how he loves my girl.  Peace because he "gets it"  he doesn't just care for her he takes care of her.  He sacrifices for her, he puts her needs first, he works hard for them.  He loves her family (not just because we are great) because she loves her family. He fits. He will be an exceptional dad to my grandchildren.

My additional daughter loved my son before we met her.  She immediately fit into our family on her first visit to our home.  It takes a special woman to get approval from her "mother in law".  Why? because a son is different.  My son is different.  He had no reservations in calling me daily.  His wife was going to, have to, must have, his moms approval.  My dear additional daughter you have that and more.  You have our love, our forever love.  Thank you for taking care of my boy.  You knew what that meant.  You knew you would likely be living all over the world. You love him enough to be in a foreign country away from family and all that is familiar to you.  You love him through his pains, and struggles.  You stand with him through his accomplishments.  You will be an Awesome mom to my grandchildren.

To both of my additional children, whether you want to or not, you too become a member of a new family and the challenges that brings.  Where do we go for Holidays?, who do we vacation with?. This is more than a journey though, for all of us.  It is a relationship to embrace, a place in which to grow.  None of us had classes on how to be molded into a new family, how exactly does a marriage work.  Mistakes are made and through those mistakes comes happiness and learning.  This education will make you stronger no matter where you spend the Holidays.

You need to know that in my heart/mind there are few men who are perfect enough for my daughter and few women who are good enough for my son.  You both have proved to me that you are perfect and better than good enough.

Having me for your mother in law, has it's challenges I know.  You have joined the circle of people I worry about, fret over, dote on, (do you want an omelet), care about , love and would do anything for.  You know another pesky mother!

It is a compliment actually, that I entrust the care of my children to you both because next to a mama Bear I am fiercely protective, but this mams bear has two additional cubs in her den!

Rick and Meredith, know that you are both loved so much not only for who you are, or for the role to play in our lives, but for giving my children happiness and completing them.

My son Mike and my additional daughter Meredith

My daughter Ashley and my additional son Rick.

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