Big Girl

It's been a long week for my Mother-in-law, in fact it's been an uphill walk for her the last couple years since my Father-in-law had a stroke. Up until then, their old fashioned marriage had him managing the finances, making hard decisions and shielding her from worries. Not the life that most women can imagine, or want... that is unless you ARE that generation of wives. My Mother was one of those too, her part of the equation was to take care of my brother and me and keep the house clean. Those were only 2 of her job titles, there was a list a mile long associated with being a housewife. She managed the house and all aspects of it's care, all the shopping that was done for food or clothing was her responsibility and making the dollars stretch to cover all the expenses was her forte. She was good at it. Not only could she stretch Dad's paycheck, she somehow did a magic trick with it and was able to squeeze out savings each week. Don't be throwing stones at those old fashioned marriages, it was a partnership just like the one you are currently in.

This week Mom T. has had to sign a million papers, making decisions about my Father-in-law's care and future. She decided where he will live as well as how she is going to pay for his care plan. She's settled her mind to the fact that he may not be able to come home again, this may be the new normal in their 64 year marriage. She put on her big girl panties and did what had to be done. At 87, that's Charles Atlas strong, don't you agree?