From the Hands and Heart
I have said that my spouse and I chose each other, and that the rest of the family was thrown in for free. My mother-in-law was a gift to me, wrapped in love and an English accent.
My mother-in-law was an amazing woman. With her hands and her heart, using size 2 needles, she knitted 289 sets of hats and booties for premature babies. With those hands she knitted over 200 sets of hats and mittens for children who had none. With those hands.
With those hands and her heart, she made quilts, all hand pieced and hand quilted, for us all. With those hands she worked with the ladies of her quilt club on countless quilts.
Each year at Christmas, those hands made 100 or so cupcake-sized fruitcakes for her husband and sons. I always thought that the cakes must be an acquired taste, one, after all these years, I have still not acquired. Her hands made strudel, mince pies, apple and pumpkin pies. They made peanut butter pies for the granddaughter who loves them.
She was an English war bride, and came to this country knowing no one but the man she barely knew. They built a life here, and she sewed curtains and costumes and clothing. She knitted scarves and canned jars and jars of sauces and jellies and jams.
My mother-in-law called me her daughter-in-love, and I called her my other mom. We talked daily, and I took her shopping to places she had never been. She knew all the back roads to the Amish bulk food stores, and where the best places for fabric were located. Years of experience and wisdom; shared treasured times.
My mother-in-law had a massive cerebral hemorrhage the evening of Monday, July 5th. She died the next morning. The hospital played Braham’s lullaby each time a baby was born. The moment my mother-in-law died, the strains of that sweet song were played. Not a coincidence, I think.
From her heart, through her hands, she shared her love. And with this heart, through these hands, I shared mine.
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ds said,
July 8, 2010 @ 12:43 am
Your mother-in-law sounds like a remarkable woman. I am sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute to her. (o)
Kim Ayres said,
July 8, 2010 @ 5:00 am
A wonderful tribute to clearly a wonderful woman. I’m sorry for your loss
Amy said,
July 8, 2010 @ 8:35 am
Such a beautiful tribute–it makes me sad that I didn’t get to meet her. Thank you for sharing her here.
rudee said,
July 8, 2010 @ 8:45 am
You wrote such a beautiful tribute here, Debra. Your mother in law sounds like she was a lovely woman.
Hugs.
Mrs. Chili said,
July 8, 2010 @ 9:11 am
You know how I treasure chosen family. I wish godspeed to your mother-in-love and comfort to you in your mourning.
Mary said,
July 8, 2010 @ 9:15 am
Much love to you and your family my friend. The world was such a better place thanks to your other Mom.
Laura said,
July 8, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
Thank goodness your dear mother-in-law left this world a better place due to her loving kindness. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you can take comfort in knowing how much your love filled her life as well. May her memory keep your family close and warm as a knitted glove.
AnnieHam said,
July 8, 2010 @ 6:45 pm
What a lovely and sweet description of a remarkable woman. What blessings you brought to each other. Much love to all your family.
PS. Hope to visit with you on our next trip north–these two weeks went quickly and were mostly spent making the trailer liveable.
Lana said,
July 10, 2010 @ 12:05 am
My sympathies, hon. *hug* Feel free to bend my ear if you ever need to.
Cat B said,
July 10, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
A beautiful tribute, Debra. How wonderful to have had this other mom! She sounds like she was truly special.
Pat said,
July 11, 2010 @ 1:58 pm
So sorry for your loss. You must have given your MIL such happiness in what can be a difficult relationship,
OldOldLady Of The Hills said,
July 11, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
This is so very touching Debra…It brought tears to my eyes and even sobs….How wonderful to have had such a loving, dear sweet talented ‘other mom’….May she rest in peace and I know she will be with you and yours forever, in your open loving hearts. I send you my heartfelt condolences Debra–to you and your dear husband and family. These losses are so very difficult.How very many lives your ‘other mom’ touched with her geberosity of spirit and her talented loving hands.
larramiefg said,
July 12, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
Such loving memories.
savannah said,
July 12, 2010 @ 10:45 pm
i am so sorry for your loss, sugar and grateful for your kindness in this most difficult time for you and your family. you have my heart. xoxoxoxo
Hay said,
July 13, 2010 @ 2:43 am
Hello, sorry I’m late. A beautiful post, for a beautiful lady. So sorry for your loss.
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