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In-laws and Relations with Them
By Bernard Farber
In-laws and relations with them are frequently the subject of jokes. The stereotype is that of the mother-in-law or father-in-law who intrudes, interferes with a married couple’s life, or makes life generally unpleasant. I have to honestly say that I do not understand how this outlook on in-laws came to be such a cultural norm.
My own in-laws are very dear to me. They are genuine friends. In fact, if anything, they are overly generous with their time, assistance, and support. My father-in-law, who worked most of his life in construction, helped enclose the back porch on my house, and also remodeled the bathroom in our home.
Both my in-laws have always been very helpful in agreeing to take care of our two kids whenever we have needed them to do so. They are the type of grandparents who are always doting on their grandchildren. I have found this especially heartwarming to watch, since I never knew my own grandparents, since all of them died before I was born.
My in-laws, in the past, often came to visit, with the sole intention of helping us around the house, including household cleaning chores. They have always made me feel like a welcome part of their family, ever since I married their daughter some twenty-four years ago.
In 2008, I suffered a stroke, which left me confined to a wheelchair, and with a paralyzed right hand. My in-laws enthusiastically pitched in, and did things for my kids that I was no longer able to easily do, taking my son to the barber for a haircut, or my daughter to her ballet lessons.
So, from my vantage point, a visit from my in-laws is always welcome, and I can’t conceive of the possibility that they could visit too often. I really love them.
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