Not a lot of married women would be fortunate enough to say that they are lucky to have their parents-in-law.  The picture of a scheming mother-in-law creating havoc on her hapless daughter-in-law is all too familiar in our culture that it is even continually perpetuated in our various telenovelas. Fortunately and thankfully, this wasn't the case with my parents-in-law - Ricardo and Ester.

Even before my husband and I got married, they have always been very good to me.  The only issue during the initial stage was that their son was getting home later than usual , not knowing that their son was visiting me daily at our house after office hours before he went home.  Once they realized what was happening, the issue was put to rest only with one admonition to their son to be more careful in commuting especially at night.

With the progression of our relationship, it was inevitable that I would be brought to their home for us to know each other.  They were quick to observe my favorite food and every time I would come visiting, those treats will be ready waiting for me.  This has prompted their son to jokingly remark that he will bring me more often so that he can get to enjoy specially-prepared food more often as well.

Their attitude towards me did not change even after my marriage to their son.  In fact, it became better.  They trusted me with responsibilities and gave me privileges that people would normally give to one's family only.  I did not only feel like their daughter-in-law, I felt like I was their daughter, accepted for who I am, faults and all.

We lived for a while with them and experienced how it was to live with my in-laws. To their credit, they allowed us to live our life with the least intervention from them as possible.  They would only enter the scene when they believe it would be best for all of us.  It would be a continuing joke between my husband and I when  his parents will side with me in our petty arguments.  My husband's line will be " Hindi ba ako ang anak?" ( Who is your child between the two of us?), probably to laugh off his bewilderment that his own parents did not take his side.

They have passed on a year apart from each other although I personally believe it would have been shorter where it not for the remaining responsibility of seeing through the marriage of their youngest son.  This is a phenomena which I have observed among very close couples in their advanced age. Their death dates are usually close as if not allowing even death to keep them apart for long.  Our family remembers them most especially during the month of July because of their birthdays which are only 1 week apart.

My Say

Happy Birthday Tatay!  Happy Birthday Nanay!

That said, thank you for being good to me and accepting me like your own.