Be it a mother or a mother in law – ALL MOTHERS ARE SPECIAL.

I am dedicating this blog post to my dear Mother in law (in fact, I don’t wish to call her mother in law because she is just like my mother)- I still throw tantrums and argue with her, hug her, scold her for she is a MOTHER after all and mothers are truly special.

Happy birthday to a wonderful lady who has all the will power and who loves me so much.

I was all of twenty and had been just out of college and got married.  But there was not an iota of doubt as regards how I would adjust to this new surrounding, new people and of course the new home that I would be going to.  I still felt that this new life that I would be living from 12^th September 1993 would be like the ones I had seen in most of the movies (considering I was and I am a big moviebuff). 

But yes, I was lucky having come to a family where people were simple, most of all my in laws.  I could be my self and I did not have to put up pretences.  Yes, just like any other new entrant, I felt a little out of place (not because I was made uncomfortable) but because the routine that I was used to in my parents home was different from MY HOME (considering this is my home now and I can proudly say that after 2 decades.

My MIL ( a woman of few words) appeared strict, though she was not.  Coming from the old school of thought, she had her own thoughts and was particular that things had to be done in a particular fashion.  I did not even know the basics of cooking (forget cooking) even cutting vegetables.  However, even by observing how things had to be done and managed, I quickly picked up.  I guess the reason for this was that I was quickly able to adapt to the new surrounding (considering  I was all of twenty).  

I learnt everything and within a year I could prepare almost all the authentic Southie dishes. The reason for this was simple.  My in laws never criticized me on anything I made. My MIL always said that the very fact that you are trying and want to make all this goodies means that you have a knack of doing things and I felt happy.  Not once have they criticized my cooking and compared me to anyone. I guess when there are fewer comparisons especially when you are just married and entering a new phase of life, it becomes easier and there is less stress.

My parents still visit my home and share a friendly relationship with my in laws. We enjoy, have fun and be just the way we are.  After all, we are ONE FAMILY.

When there is love and affection and fewer expectations from the opposite person, I guess things turn out to be the way they are.  I have received a lot of love from people around me, my family, in laws and love my in laws TONS.  They mean a lot to me.  We argue, we debate, but we are still ONE.

Love you loads Amma,  you are simply too gud.

Rekha

p.s  : Nothing could have been possible without the love, support and tremendous UNDERSTANDING of my husband Mahadevan who stands like a pillar of support and strength.  Mady,  you are my strength forever and ever.