I was blessed on this earth; I was blessed to have a mother with me until 16, and I was blessed with another mother shortly after 18. When I married Thomas I was welcomed into his family, almost instantly, and always felt at peace in his childhood home. With that childhood home came a camaraderie of his younger brothers and sisters, something I hadn't ever experienced and also came a set of in-laws. Now I have heard numerous nightmare stories about mother inlaws, but this will not be one of them. This story is a happy ending.
Teresa; Thomas' mom, my mother in-law, and my children's grandma, better known as grammy, is as far from the stereotypical mother in-law as you can get.
Teresa has often been a quiet advisor in my life. Quiet in that fact that she has her opinions and ideals yet she is not one to force them onto you. She has always been conscious of the fact that she does not want to have others feel that their opinions are wrong if she doesn't agree. I have come to rely on her deeply. When we talk on the phone, I find myself confiding in her, and being immensely grateful for her listening ear and her words of wisdom. I find joy in our conversations and am so thankful to have a mother figure in my life to receive some counsel from. She is so kind.
Teresa is a seamstress. She'll work tirelessly to please those whom she is sewing for. I've seen her sew many prom dresses, costumes, vests and such and I've watched over the past 11 years sew wedding dresses, including mine. Each time painstakingly sewing each stitch hoping, and I'm sure praying that her work will satisfy the beholder, and each time it does. She is so talented.
With each new child that I have welcomed into this world she has graciously helped me. After moving away from Colorado she has flown/or driven, even on short notice, to be here for us and has stayed for about a week to help with the postpartum blues. I have had many of conversations with her days after giving birth, tears uncontrolled and have had her confident, reassuring, words calm my fears, ease my burdens, and instill in me a confidence in motherhood. She has scrubbed floors, cooked meals and taken kids to school. She has given each of my newborns their first baths, something that I take such pride in and she has given me much needed advice on the do's of newborns. She is such a wonderful woman.
When Grammy comes to visit, each of my children are thrilled. Grammy doesn't over do it. She doesn't feel like she needs to bribe or put on a show. It's her constant love and comfort that brings the excitement to our home. How we love to have her at our table, to hear her voice around. She brings the feeling of "home" and the feeling of love. There is a feeling of loss when she leaves from her visits, and emptiness that can only be filled when we are around her. She is so caring.
Claire was named after grammy; Claire Teresa. There was no mistake in this; Claire has taken attributes from her for sure. Her beauty, her strength and her love to work hard are all things that exemplify her grandmother. I find great joy in the bond that her name brings to she and her grandma, and the great pride that Claire takes in it. It is something I am proud of too. I hope Claire will be as wonderful as her grammy.
Thomas age 5or 6 and his mom
To me, Teresa is the epitome of Motherhood. I have watched her take joy in each of her grandchildren, showing them patience, smiles, her creativity and most of all her love. Having 8 children of her own, she dedicated her life to them. She was a stay at home mother, a committed church member, and a wonderful example to her children. All 8 of them have grown into wonderful adults, attending the temple, working hard, and have become my best friends ever. They are a loyal family, who, at a moments notice will drop what they are doing to help you out. They are a giving family and will share all they have. They are a fun family, who enjoy rowdy games, and good talks of fun. I am so thankful to them for sharing their mother with me. I have seen her pain as she has moved away from her children and grandchildren. Her desire to be near to them, to take part in their daily lives, to be, what I perceive, is her true joy. She is a wonderful mother.
While I don't know everything about Teresa's life, I do know enough about her to know that she is a wonderful woman, an amazing mother, and a magnificent person and I am a better person, mother and wife because of the influence she has had on me.
