I walked into the house and heard my husband’s raised voice saying, “It’s all your fault”, which is how I knew he had been a good boy and called his mother.
This picture is not as good as the recent photo of my mother-in-law (m-i-l), Jewel, in her hometown paper. Apparently it is newsworthy that at age 92 she had just gone to a fast food restaurant for the first time in her life. Never having a quarter-pounder until age 92? What would life have been like?
The picture below says something about what life was like. For some reason I'm fascinated by this picture. First, I just like it: it makes me smile. And second, it's so unlike the m-i-l I know. She's the one on the left with the plaster-of-Paris or knee sock on her left leg. Turns out she was pregnant with my husband (can you can imagine what an old fart he is?!) and that legging is for varicose veins.
Her Aunt Belle is kneeling next to her. Belle looks fun, she has on killer shoes, a great smile, and she looks so stylish, Jewel so un-stylish. I've never in over 30 years seen her in what I would call a "house dress." And that's what she has on. Her mother is standing and looks just like Jewel. Or visa versa. And she doesn't look too stylish either.
On the other hand, there's something very sweet about this photo. Jewel is un-posed and looks very happy. She looks young and innocent and sweet. And today she is none of those things.
My husband just walked in and asked if I'm doing this to embarrass him. No, not at all. Wait till I start discussing the two of us. He'll be wishing for more on his mother. I guess it's kind of odd to start this blog with my mother-in-law. However, aren't mother-in-laws at the bottom of everything? Along with mothers.
You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I was so touched by this blog of your m-i-l. I loved the photo and as you said, Jewel looks so happy. It reminded me of how happy I felt when I was pregnant with my daughter, Leslie. It reminded me of how happy I am now that I have Leslie in my life. It reminded me of how happy I am to have my husband, Michael, in my life. Thank you, Carolyn, for reminding me how happy I am!
ReplyDeleteCa',
ReplyDeleteGreat blog and sweet photo of Barry's Mom as a young woman. Was she knitting booties or darning socks? I am thinking Psycho for Gull Cottage but I know that's the Bates Motel. Guess no FF points for me - Nancy
Hey Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteGreat opening sentence! This is inspiring. I should write something about John's mother, who was completely lucid at 99+ years (she lied about her age) and lived alone in an old Southern Gothic manse up until two weeks before her death.
Re Gull Cottage -- is it from the film The Uninvited, starring Ray Milland?
xo,
Kathy
Well Ca' I know retirement must be incredibly boring if you can only think of your M-I-L to write about. You are a fascinating women, let's hear more about you and less about the MIL.
ReplyDeleteI hear plenty here in ND - near your MIL and mine too, wanna come a little closer physically to you MIL..that can be arranged. C
Interesting how the Jewel in the old picture can turn into the Jewel in the later picture. Guess none of us looks exactly like we did when we were in our 20's. It's nice to know that she was happy at one time. And you're right - those are killer shoes. I think I have a similar pair.
ReplyDeleteNice to see you blogging. :)
WOw, I see Barry's face in young Jewel...genetics...powerful! keep this up, Ca...xx
ReplyDeleteJewel looks so happy with her sisters I feel the joy this far away. Nothing like having to drive by Bates Motel at Universal Studios on pump business. Every time on the way in I thought I could see Norman peering out from between the curtains. Keep an eye on the grackles up there. I hope it works at more like Night at the Museum or even better, The Smithsonian Institution. Phil
ReplyDeleteLoved the story, about Jewel and all of us, really. How can we be more conscious, when we see old people, to know, really know, that they were young and lovely not so long ago? And that we will be those old people so soon, if we are very, very lucky. My 60th is coming up in 2011 and the passage of time is weighing heavily. So glad you've started this blog. Inspires me. If I've missed subsequent entries, how do I find them? we're coming to California in May for Stephie's graduation. Hope we can see you then.
ReplyDelete