Since my beloved mother-in-law Jean died on Monday, the years of her illness have been fading from my memory, leaving me with a menagerie of enduring mental images of her. I’d like to share just a few.
When I became a mother, it was Jean who taught me what I needed to know—and she did it lovingly. Picture me putting my newborn Becky on the changing table for the first time, nervous because in medical school they had not taught me how to change diapers—and I had never done it before.
Jean could have teased me. She could have taken over and simply shown me how to do it. Instead, Jean being Jean, she stood behind me, gently and patiently guiding and encouraging me through each step.
I am blessed with many powerful images of Jean caring for me and my children after I got sick. The one of Jean hugging me while I hugged an emesis basin is not a pretty picture, but it is beautiful.
Lastly, Jean never worked as a registered nurse after receiving her RN. Yet for as long as she possibly could, Jean lived every day with the heart and soul of a compassionate nurse.
Technically, Jean was my mother-in-law. But the moment Ted and I kissed under the wedding canopy, that joyful, beautiful Jean became my mother.
Jean has been a blessing in my life. May her memory be for a blessing.
June 24, 1928 - February 25, 2013
What a great blessing for two intelligent women to realize the gift you are to each other, your husband & your children. I'm sorry for your loss Thank you for sharing with us ;~)
Posted by: Carol Ann Rice Rafferty | March 02, 2013 at 04:00 AM
Wendy,that was a wonderful tribute to your mother-in-law Jean. Remember the special memories and cherish them forever.
Posted by: Anne Ambrose | March 02, 2013 at 04:49 AM
Beautiful and touching Wendy. As a wise woman taught me, life's journeys are made wonderful through relationships and striving to help others. It's plain you and Jean long ago figured out that truth.
Kirk
Posted by: Kirk Hartley | March 02, 2013 at 07:16 AM
So sorry for your loss. It is difficult no matter their age or ours. You both were lucky to have each other. May her memory be a blessing.
Posted by: Roz Zakheim | March 02, 2013 at 08:37 AM
How lucky you were to appreciate Jean for the gift she was in your life while you both could enjoy and celebrate that gift.
Posted by: Pat O | March 02, 2013 at 10:36 AM
I am sorry for your loss, but thankful for your gain from Jean's life. It is inspiring for me as someone with an ill daughter-in-law. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Marcy | March 02, 2013 at 10:50 AM