A couple of days ago I was outside and the neighbor behind me walked over. They have young children and we were talking. She was saying how quickly her kids are growing . . her youngest will be starting kindergarten next year. She said “I know he’ll be graduating before I know it . . and then he’ll be getting married and I almost cry thinking about it.” I told her . . just be sure YOU choose his wife! We both laughed but last night as Addie and I were sitting and talking . . because she really is fun to talk with . . I thought about how thankful I am to have Nicole for my daughter-in-law.
Chad is off on Fridays and Nicole was of yesterday. When I got to their house after picking up Addie, they were both exhausted. They had taken Addie to school, gone to Nicole’s dad’s to get the big trailer, loaded up five really big logs and took them to the sawmill about 45 minutes away. It had taken them all day and they were just getting home after I picked Addie up. Most wives wouldn’t spend their day off doing that but she and Chad do all kinds of things together.
They aren’t perfect but I think they’re perfect for each other and Nicole is about as perfect as I could have asked for in a daughter-in-law (not that anyone asked me!). She’s easy to talk to, never gets angry (or never lets it show), she’s cooperative and always willing to help. I can’t tell you how many times they’ve called a few times and not been able to get me on the phone and when I do call them back, she’ll say “Do you know how close I came to driving to your house to check on you?”
They’re always happy to share Addie with me. I know they need a break sometime too.
I’m super thankful for Nicole. I’m thankful for Chad too but I figure he’s mine — good or bad, but as far as a daughter-in-law, I’ve known many people whose daughter-in-law caused problems between mom and son and between grandparents and grandchildren. I don’t think I could have a better daughter-in-law and today, Nicole is at the top of my list in my “Thankful Journal”.
Karen says
Judy, I pray that my daughters-in-law are like Nicole. I only have two sons and no daughters and it would break my heart to be one of those moms who lose their sons. I promise I will be a good MIL!
Judy Laquidara says
I try very hard to be a good MIL. Every now and then I bite my tongue about something to do with Addie. I’m very careful not to say something to Chad that might make Nicole feel that I’m talking to him about something involving her behind her back. So far, I think we all do quite well together. I hope you get good DILs too.
Rebecca says
My husband had a daughter-in-law who was not choice! She didn’t like her husband to talk to his father on the phone, fer cryin’ out loud. She’s gone (from our lives), now, and I don’t miss her.
Judy Laquidara says
That’s sad for everyone involved. I can only imagine what a relief it is to no longer have to deal with that.
Therese says
Mine too! I am thankful every day for that positive relationship!
Diana G says
The inlaws and I do not get along. They have issues that I refuse to put up with and they don’t like it (most are very nasty and psychiatrics’ care is needed). Toxicity/drama thrives in their family.
Even my daughters (grown) cannot stand them, so that should tell one something… No I didn’t say anything to them -they found out when they were little and have not liked them since.
Please tell your daughter in law how much you appreciate her.
Judy Laquidara says
I tell her often – always have.