Let me kinda apologize for the long post. By kinda, I mean, I am kinda sorry, but then again, it is what it is, so, I'm really not sorry.
As some of you may know, my Mother-in-Law has lived with us for all 27 years of our married life.
She is, without a doubt, the true definition of a Proverbs 31 Woman.
She is an amazing, Godly woman, who has a servant's heart and loves others like Jesus.
Well, loves others, except Alabama Football and its fans. If you fall into either of those categories, you may be out of luck.
Just kidding, kinda.
She is a die hard Auburn fan, who thinks the replays are still live play and celebrates the good and gets mad at the bad ones over and over, for as long as the network keeps replaying them.
There's nothing bad that can be said about her and, in all these years, we've only had one cross word.
One.
And, I remember it like it was yesterday.
That was 24 years ago.
I was a brand new Mom who didn't know crap, but thought I knew it all, because I'd read all the books and been to all the different classes. I wanted, and really expected everything to be done by the books.
Anyway, Haley was about 2 months old and had what seemed to be her 100th ear infection.
Mawmaw, having raised 4 kids plus having numerous other grandchildren at the time, wanted to put some warm sweet oil in Haley's ear to ease her incessant pain and crying. I almost had a coronary at the mere suggestion.
You Moms know how it is with the firstborn. By the time the 2nd, 3rd or 4th come along, you're just like, just do whatever you wanna do, I don't care what it is, I'm good with it.
She didn't put the oil in Haley's ear that night, nor, did she ever suggest it or anything else ever again .
She didn't fuss, fight, carry on or even judge me over it. She simply let me be the Mother and went on about her way and minded her own business, though, I'm sure she was thinking to herself, what an idiot!
When Kylee was born, 5 years later, she quit working and stayed at home to help me. She and Kylee became close, very close and now, at 19, Kylee is very quick to tell you, she and her MawMaw are best friends.
Mawmaw is now 88. Her health is failing and, to be honest, she's tired. She still gets around pretty good, with the use of a cane, but has started to have some bouts of confusion.
After much prayer and consideration, it was decided the best and safest thing would be for her to move into an assisted living facility.
I'll just tell you, it's been hard.
Move in day was just awful.
It felt just like when we drove away from Auburn after leaving Haley.
Your head knows it's the right thing to do, but your heart aches.
We have had some that don't agree with our decision, even though it's none of their business.
If they would quit being selfish and think about her and her safety, they would support it 100%.
It has not been easy on any of her children, their spouses, or her grandchildren, especially my girls, who have grown up with their Mawmaw in the house every single day of their lives.
Being a grown-up is hard sometimes and having to parent your parent is hard, too.
Somehow, life doesn't prepare you for that role but I'm thankful that His Grace is sufficient, His Mercies are new every morning, and He will not waste the brokenness.
Love you MUCH!
=],
Gracie
