So much have I benefited from the mother's in my life. I have not been shy to praise the virtues of my own mother, the mother of my children, and the mother of my grand sons. (The expectant mother of my grand daughter will no doubt soon earn equal praise.)
It occurs to me that I have been grossly negligent by not thoroughly acknowledging the positive impact my mother-in-law has had on my life. She was, in many ways, the foundation of my marriage, my family.
Very young, and very much in love; I was also not nearly as smart as I thought I was, back in the day.
I liked to think that Paul, John, George, and Ringo were right when they told us "All You Need Is Love."
However, I have to admit, a basement apartment nicely supplemented our love.
My mother-in-law (I never got around to calling her "Ma") was not the "touchy feely" type like my mom.
Okay, she scared me at first. I'm sure I scared her too, long haired New York City pipsqueak little punk that I was. But we soon saw each other thru Patty's eyes, and it was all good.
She nurtured me when, perhaps, I needed it most. My mother-in-law, as much as anyone else, set in motion what was to become my "happily ever after" life.
Thank you Ma.
God Bless you Ma.
I love you Ma.
