A Fragile

So many lessons are learned as the days move slowly into the mist of yesterday.

I learn them reluctantly, but there is little choice as they enter my life with more velocity than I could ever have anticipated.

There are many hardships predicted by seers. The categories of health, wealth and happiness are all part of that Pandora’s Box. Unfortunately, few have dwelt on the complexity of female in law relationships, and the despair felt by both sides of the aisle.

One glaring aspect is the untaught and unknown pitfall of being both a Mother in Law and Daughter in Law.

Most of us who are blessed with children were innocents before we ultimately discovered that the unanticipated relationship is often fraught with danger.

I thought of that recently when I asked an acquaintance about a mutual friend who was also the Mother in Law of his daughter.

His reply was both ambiguous and precise. “She is an amazing Grandmother.” The words conveyed the message aptly and with the sting of censure.

Of course, I could easily be described with both venom and love for both roles I have played in life. Innocence and youth are really no defense for possessiveness and a reluctance to share. Emotions I now recognize with guilt when I dare to return to the springtime of my life.

As the day designated as Mother’s Day looms on the calendar, I wonder if perhaps it wouldn’t be even more appropriate to give it a new title, one honoring both the maternal roles, Mother and Daughter In-Law.

They both absolutely deserve recognition and respect for the fragility of emotional equilibrium.