Let me introduce to you, my three daughters-in-law! I'll start from the right to the left (that's the order they came into the family). Danielle, Megan, and Nicki. These women are as different as any woman can be! However, they are alike in the fact that they each chose one of my boys to love, created a home, and start a family. They are the new generation of Lopes women. All of a sudden they were given new titles of wife and daughter-in-law then eventually a mother. More than likely they will become mothers-in-law one day. They will slip into my shoes in the blink of an eye.
For those of you that know my boys, (we call them O, Mo, and Jo) you know that they are kind and hard-working men. But... momma (me) dropped the ball in some of the areas that the wives had to chase around as it bounced through the teaching and learning process of the domestic tasks. Let me explain...since we were all so busy with sports, school, and church activities (this is my excuse), it was easier for me to do a lot of the things around the house that would have benefited my future daughters-in-law if the boys were taught ahead of time.
As a result, the girls were instantly faced with a few challenges. I like to think that I left the door open for the girls to instruct the guys on how things should be done their way. Although, they may see it differently. :)
While writing I Called Her Nan, I asked the girls if they would mind writing a chapter together in my book. I gave them the questions and suggested that they be honest and transparent as possible, to make the book relatable to other young women. After a pause to think about it, they agreed. A few months later I collected their stories. Soon chapter thirteen came to life! It's titled, The Girls Tell Their Stories. They did a beautiful job expressing their feelings about meeting me and entering into a new family. I have to admit, it is one of my favorite chapters in the book!
I'm proud of these young women. Each of our relationships is a little different, and that's ok. That's one of the important things I learned over the years.
You'll need to read, I Called Her Nan to hear more about my lessons and journey... from being a daughter-in-law to becoming a mother-in-law.
~Cathy
Staying The Course
Can purchase the paper book and audiobook from this website-see above!
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