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Pink Suit and My Mother-In-Law

Celebrating and honoring all of the Mom's in my life this week!  This Mom came in to my life 22 years ago when I married her son.  

My admiration of her has grown over the years for this professional and loving woman who shares my love of reading and education!

The first Christmas that I spent with them was quite overwhelming and much different then the ones I had grown up with.  As they began handing out gifts I was quite surprised!  

I'll never forget opening the pink skirt, jacket, shirt, shoes and matching jewelery and purse.  Speechless actually describes it.

Here is this cowgirl who hated dress up and pink more then anything. I certainly had never known anyone who bought purses to match their outfits!  I actually wore the pink suit...but ditched the purse and the shoes...

We had our rocky moments for sure as two strong headed women forced to come to terms with each other.  She loved to give advice and I loved to purposely not take it!  Our perceptions, expectations and worldview were quite different.  I used to get very defensive. 

Our relationship changed when I did.

My Mother-In-Law grew up in a single parent household and raised by her single powerhouse of a mother.  Our Grandma was godly and sweet and strong!  In fact, David will always say that his Grandmother is why he is a believer and why his Dad married Barb when he was a teenager and changed his life.  She used to pray for "an Assembly of God Pastor" in her family.

Barb made a giant impact in my husband's life during the short time that she had him!  

She put herself through college and faithfully taught first grade and implementing Title I and then becoming an administrator.  I respect her resolve and discipline and consistency.  

She is as opposite of my mother as night is from day in temperament and showed me whole new world.  Because of her they are living in a paid with cash house and driving paid with cash vehicles and living with dignity.

My boys respect and love their Grandmother.  She  buys them their favorite food and cereal and spoils them rotten.  They always had nice winter coats because she sent them each year when they were little.  She teaches money management, love of education and decorum to all of us.

Today she is one of the most important people in my life.  One of my boys told me one day that they realized that I am more like her in taste then they every thought.  That is a compliment.  

Barb is my mentor, tutor and the person that I want to be when I grow up!!!!


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