Good-bye to Dado-Mummy

Mother-in-law returns to Pakistan today after a five-month stay. She left us with tears in her eyes and having extracted promises that we will come to see her soon inshallah. She took our naughty little brother-in-law with her (He is 20, but my children love to call him baby uncle as he is the youngest of my husband’s siblings).

This was her second stay with us and what a world of difference between the two periods of time. Last year she visited for four months whilst I was expecting Gorgeous. I was used to running my home as I wished and was also very ill and grumpy because of the pregnancy. She was used to running her home as she saw fit and used to obedience from her sons. This meant that there were a number of grumbles and sulks – over the kitchen most often.

This time I am well and healthy, in contrast she has learnt that she has Hepatitis C. She wishes to leave the world at peace with everyone and without having hurt or upset anyone. I want her to spend whatever time Allah has willed her in peace and without anything upsetting her. This has meant that we have spent the last five months trying to appease each other, with her acceding to me and with me trying to do things as she prefers. Peace has reigned in this house alhamdulillah and we are like mother and daughter at this time.

I have learnt from her the sacrifices needed to gain the loyalty of your children – she has given her life and her youth to the care of her husband and children, to the fulfilment of their wishes and wants. She has worked hard to make sure that her family have what they need within whatever means available to her (at times little).

I just hope Allah gives her enough time to see the rest of her children married and see more grandchildren come into this world inshallah (two more due soon!! – not me! – both sis-in-law’s).