My mother-in-law

"Would you like mom to come and stay with you guys? To help out with the kids while Sarah recovers?"

That was one of the first things asked of us while talking to Erwin's dad after our accident. And I was not one bit surprised. His parents have offered to come and stay with us to help out, in many different situations, and they always do it out of love and concern. I have always felt so grateful for the way they instantly throw themselves into serving others, us included.

I have had my mother-in-law stay with us before. But this time was different. I couldn't do anything besides sit, and it was hard for me to watch her take on such a huge load with the house and kids-- with no help until Erwin came home. I didn't want her to wear herself out or push too hard, but despite my efforts in getting her to take it slow or rest, that very seldom happened.

I have always loved my MIL. And this trip was incredibly beneficial, in the fact that we got to know each other really well while she was here for 7 weeks.

Was our time together perfect and easy? No. There were often times when she questioned my methods and I questioned hers. Probably times when we drove the other batty or felt like we were both so overwhelmed and tired that we could burst into tears. Or my kids both wearing us out with tantrums or just being plain old loud.

But could you really expect perfection and easiness? She hasn't raise me since birth, and so knowing me on that intimate level of culture, traditions, opinions, etc., was impossible for the both of us. BUT, she got to learn more about who I am as a mother, wife and as Sarah, and I the same for her. (she has such awesome life stories!) We were able to learn and grow together because of our differences and thoughts about doing things, but also on our many similarities. We agreed, agreed to disagree, and came to love and respect one another much more deeply--differences and all.

But at the end of each day, no matter how easy or hard it was, I knew she was going to wake up the next morning and continue to serve.

We laughed together. Cried together. We had in depth conversations about culture, family, friends, goals and expectations from life.

And one of the absolute best parts of her here, was watching her with my kids. She truly got to see their hearts and souls, and learn so much about them. She came to understand more about who they are, how they tick and the struggles and triumphs I have on the daily with them.

As the days passed, she learned how to interact, talk, love and live with them, even better than she did before. She played with them on the floor, bathed them, sang with them, and laughed with them. And no to mention had lots of patience with them! I could truly feel her joy in being in their presence over all that time they shared together. And as a daughter-in-law, that is so important to me.

Words can never express my deepest gratitude for her willingness to come and serve my family after our accident. We really, TRULY, couldn't have done it without her. I am so grateful she chose to come love me and serve my family. I am so grateful to call her "mom". Her example will last a lifetime.

I love you Mom! THANK YOU for everything!