All but two of the relatives have gone back now. The house is our own again. I can hear our voices echoing around. It seems hard to believe that in this very house two days before there were several hundred people here to attend a religious ceremony. But it is true.
In fact, we had relatives visiting non-stop for the past three weeks. People coming and going every single day. My father-in-law's two widowed sisters have remained here and all the other relatives have gone away. It is nice for my mother-in-law to have the company of her two sisters-in-law. They have always been close to her, never more than now. My mother-in-law cried a lot yesterday when her younger daughter, Rashmi, left here. I could see Rashmi becoming distressed. I had to reassure her. "Don't worry!" I said. "I'm here. I'll take care of your mother for you!" To tell the truth, I get very emotional when my mother and I have to say goodbye, whenever we get together. I could identify with Rashmi's emotions very easily.
I know that there will be difficult days ahead. Nowadays, there is a lot of support around for my mother-in-law. But in a short while life will get back to normal and she will feel very much alone. So nowadays, I am keeping in the background and allowing the visitors to interact with her as much as possible. Because I know she is going to need me when her sisters-in-law leave here.
In fact, we had relatives visiting non-stop for the past three weeks. People coming and going every single day. My father-in-law's two widowed sisters have remained here and all the other relatives have gone away. It is nice for my mother-in-law to have the company of her two sisters-in-law. They have always been close to her, never more than now. My mother-in-law cried a lot yesterday when her younger daughter, Rashmi, left here. I could see Rashmi becoming distressed. I had to reassure her. "Don't worry!" I said. "I'm here. I'll take care of your mother for you!" To tell the truth, I get very emotional when my mother and I have to say goodbye, whenever we get together. I could identify with Rashmi's emotions very easily.
I know that there will be difficult days ahead. Nowadays, there is a lot of support around for my mother-in-law. But in a short while life will get back to normal and she will feel very much alone. So nowadays, I am keeping in the background and allowing the visitors to interact with her as much as possible. Because I know she is going to need me when her sisters-in-law leave here.
Very wise to stand back. I will keep you all in my prayers as this time of adjustment settles...
ReplyDeleteyou sound like such a wonderful support for your family.
ReplyDeleteShe certainly would need you. But you know what, above everything, time in itself is the best healer. We can't forget harsh stuff ever, but we learn to live with it. There are going to be difficult times ahead, but have patience, because God creates balance, he will give you happy times too.
ReplyDeleteThe days following a funeral are always a bit of an anti-climax. Most people return to their normal busyness while whose bereaved face long empty days. Having family and especially grandchildren about should be a great help and consolation to your mother-in-law
ReplyDeleteI agree with Grannymar, living with her family, especially the children, should help. Our hearts are with you.
ReplyDeleteYou are a VERY good daughter in law.
ReplyDeleteThe goodbyes are always a gut wrenching experience I find.
Wishing your MIL the very best that could possible be in store for her.
Nuts in May
You are so considerate to your family, they are lucky to have someone so sensitive and considerate at their heart.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about the loss of your FIL-- and for not being here since it happened!
ReplyDeleteYour family is fortunate to have your wisdom and compassion. Nothing is worse than someone who wants to help so much that they cause you even more stress than a passing already brings.
Blessings!
You are wonderful to your mil.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all at this time.
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