When Damien married Natalya, I gained a daughter-in-law who is more wonderful than I could have dreamed of.   I also gained a title that has so many negative connotations, I flinched whenever someone mentioned it:  Mother-In-Law.  How scary is that???  Would I suddenly sprout horns and become so cantankerous that I scared my son and his wife off? 

To find some inspiration and guidance, I thought of my own mother-in-law Margie.  She’s incredibly supportive and a heck of a lot of fun!

Mom

I also found a few books on the subject.  I recommend one in particular to anyone who will become, or already is, a mother- or daughter-in-law:  What Do You Want From Me by Terri Apter:

http://www.terriapter.com/books.html

I will always feel amazed at Damien and Natalya’s decision to live with us for the summer.  It is something I never could have predicted or even dreamed of.  We all got along incredibly well, despite my fears and insecurities.  They’re coming back for Thanksgiving, so I must have done something right!