Before my mother-in-law, Folashade,(I do call her Mumsi,so I would be referring to her here as that"Mumsi") became my mother-in-law, she was simply "Mom" to my friend Tope and Foluke.We were both living in same street, bonding over late-night gist and all.Little did I know,those sleep-deprived nights would lay the foundation for an awesome relationship with their entire family especially Mumsi.
Mumsi's open-mindedness, empathy, and sense of humor have been the cornerstones of our relationship.She did not welcome me so much at first reason being that four of her children are females,her only son isn't staying with them, but as time goes on and she finds out am not that type of a person and I meant no harm and also seeing the family I came from,she became open.We often joke a lot,she sees me as her son,we do things,talks in whispers conspiring to make her daughters roll their eyes in exasperation and leaving them wondering, "Are you two serious or just messing with us?"they would say feeling jealous,as if I have snatched their mum away from them.
Mumsi's house has always felt like or it is a second home.If am not home am definitely there,my mum womt bother looking for me elsewhere,she already knew I will be there,when we're not gisting,we're usually in the kitchen, cooking up a storm or experimenting with new recipes with her daughters.
Before I started dating one of her daughter,I wasn't even planning it,though later on she(Mumsi)told me she knew I will but that she was not just expecting I would go for the younger one,cos I was much more close to the older ones,But ........that was it.
Beyond the laughter and jokes, Mumsi has become a trusted confidant and advisor,another reason I like is that she's a prayerful one,ohhh no,Mumsi can pray, shes a churchgoer also.Her guidance and wisdom have helped navigate life's ups and downs. Whether I'm seeking parenting advice or just need a sympathetic ear,Mumsi is always there, offering words of encouragement and reassuring me right from time,even before dating any of her daughter.
People often ask,"are you his son"are you a family member" but later when it dawned on them that I wasn't all that and now an in-law,they staryed asking How do you do it? How do you have such a close relationship with your mother-in-law?" My response? "I got luck." But in all seriousness,our bond,closeness stems from mutual respect, trust, and a deep understanding that family is not just about blood ties.
I have heard various stories of mother in-laws and all,but mine wasn't lime all that I heard,I even thought at a time she might change if she knew am into her daughter, but she did not,she was like,"did you think I don't know,I know o,I just acted as if I dont and am not against you both,I will help you in prayers"I was left open mouthed,...what,so loving and understanding.
But i want to believe am a good and well mannered person also,and I did not overstep my boundary nor give her reasons to doubt me all through.
In Mumsi, I've gained not only a mother-in-law but a friend, mentor,gist partner, second mum.
These unconventional journey has taught me that sometimes, the most beautiful relationships are the ones we least expect.
My relatioship with Mumsi is laugh-filled and a love-filled one and I wouldn't trade it nor have it any other way.It is one anyone would wish to have.
Thanks for taking your time to read through 🙏