FEMINIST FRIDAY

By Bernadette

 

 

The age old story of older women being crones and treating younger women horribly, or even trying to delete them permanently, such as the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, is very ingrained in our culture.  This story has morphed into the mean mother-in-law who hates her daughter-in-law for stealing away her young, handsome son.

I really haven’t found this to be true.  My personal experience and the experiences of my friends has led me to be perplexed as to why this false myth is so easily accepted.   And as a woman it causes me to be angered that such an image goes unchallenged.

So, to celebrate Mother’s Day I am sharing this updated letter I wrote several years ago to my dear daughter in law Hillary.  I invite you to share a post about a woman whose friendship is dear to you.

Dear Hillary,

When I gave David your telephone number without ever having met you, I didn’t think about the future. I just wanted him to meet a nice, smart gal and from your Dad’s description you fit the bill. Little did I know what happy forces I was unleashing into the universe that day.

Now that you have a son of your own, you have experienced love at first sight. You are starting to realize the very special bond between a Mom and her son. No one, not even your husband, is ever going to look at you with such complete adoration. Sons think we hung the moon and the stars in the heavens just for them. And wait until Lucas gets older and his friends start hanging around. They will awkwardly flirt with you and you will laugh and feel so young. It is very difficult to be a good mother and let that relationship transform. It is so very difficult to say to yourself another woman is now responsible for handing the moon and the stars. Although, truth to be told, there are moments when David is being difficult, I say to myself, “Well, thank you Lord, he isn’t my problem any more.”

David and I were so very close when he was growing up. His intellect is so razor sharp that we could debate and talk about everything under the sun. He confided his hopes, ambitions and misgivings. No wonder when he left for college, I went to bed a cried.

I wanted so much for David but most of all I wanted him to be happy. I am so grateful for that phone call. David has a woman for this part of his life that loves him with the same intensity that I do. You have brought to David and opened in our family a new vein rich in love. Watching you recently with Lucas and David, Dom and I agreed that it gives us peace knowing what an incomparable mother and wife will be taking care of our “boys” when we pass.

I have been so grateful that you have become my friend and confidant. I so hoped in my heart when you and David were married that we would one day become friends, that is why I told you to call me Bernadette and not the mandatory Mom. I wanted you to see me for the person I am and not David’s Mom.

Little did I know when I wrote the above words how your importance to our family would grow.  I have watched you make many many sacrifices out of love for David and your family.  You are a very special mother and my love and respect for you has grown over the last several years.  I am grateful to have you in my life as my much loved friend and cherished family member.

Bernadette

WOMEN ROCK!

 

 

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About Bernadette

I live in the small town of Haddonfield, NJ. I am at an age in my life when I seem to spend time thinking and musing about life. These musings are usually stimulated by my walks through Haddonfield, my reading of books and fellow bloggers, and my interaction with my group of fabulous family and friends.

34 Responses

  4. Annika Perry

    Bernadette, it is a privilege to read this warm hearted and open letter to your daughter in law – she must have been overjoyed with your words. The closeness between you all is wonderful and a real gift in life. I hope I will be able to write such a loving missive to my son’s wife when the time comes..He’s only sixteen!! Wishing you a precious weekend and and Happy Mother’s Day! 😀❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Osyth

    How beautiful that is. You are lucky to have her, David and Lucas are very lucky to have her. And they are all very lucky to have you. A perfect circle of love unbreakable. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Osyth

        That brings tears of joy to my eyes. What a wonderful woman – a shining example of decency and goodness and kindness and all the things our hearts should let us be. The world is a better place for her.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Beth Ann

    What a beautiful letter. I agree about the bond with mothers and sons. There is nothing like it. I am happy to be able to have really solid relationships with both of my boys and am so blessed. Thanks for sharing your sweet letter!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. roughwighting

    All so true! I hate the concept/stereotype of the “old crone.” The myth of it is so demoralizing and wrong. But, it makes us understand how difficult it was to be an older women in past times. Women of age were de-valued and scapegoated.
    Anyway, don’t get me started! ;-0 Your letter to your daughter-in-law is gorgeous.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Bette A. Stevens

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful letter written to your daughter-in-law…Inspiring me to remember that encouraging words are precious gifts that need to be shared! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

    For Feminist Friday, May 12: Here’s the link to a poem I wrote about my grandmother– https://4writersandreaders.com/2016/11/22/grandmas-legacy-a-poem-by-bette-a-stevens/

    Another poem I wrote for my dear, dear Mama: https://4writersandreaders.com/2016/05/05/mama-i-miss-you-poetry/

    Happy Mother’s Day to all! ❤ Bette

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bernadette

      Bette, this is truly beautiful. I can only hope that one day my grandchildren will remember me with such love and affection and say they saw the eyes of God in my eyes. Thanks for sharing her story at Feminist Friday.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Anonymous

    You are so beautiful inside and out Mrs Bern. I think of you all the time and all of the precious moments spent with your amazing family. There is no doubt the amount of love you have for those around you. Love you, Mere 😘

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Thanks for sharing, Bernadette. You have been truly blessed with a wonderful and caring daughter-in-law. Then again, you are generous with your love as a mother ❤

    In some cultures, the young bride moves in with her husband's family where his mother dictates the rules of the household. Life can be hell for some daughters-in-law.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. D. Wallace Peach

    So beautiful, Bernadette. What a blessing for you and for your daughter in law that love and friendship bind you and your family together. More than anything else in the world we want our children to be loved and when that happens, it’s pure joy and peace to us as parents. Happy Mother’s Day.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. writerwannabe763

    Yes, I am thankful too that my sons (and daughter too) have found that special one to share their life … A mother does love fiercely but when all is said and done she is willing to ‘let go’ when the time is right … Diane

    Liked by 1 person

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