Marriage runs deeper than two!

What is marriage to you? Is it just about you, your husband, and your children? Do you realize that it also includes everything your spouse is—and that means their family too? Many people struggle with this idea, but I believe it’s an important one.

I grew up watching my mom and her sisters-in-law become the best of friends, and that is something I’ve always wanted for myself. I’ve seen my mother build beautiful relationships with my sisters-in-law, and I hope to have that with my mother-in-law someday. I’ve also observed my mom care for her own mother-in-law, with the same love and dedication as she does her own mother—and I want that too.

The bond between my mom and my grandma is one of deep admiration. Every week, when my grandma is in our city, my mom sets aside a day to cook for her and spend quality time together. In fact, my grandma trusts my mom so much that she often tells her daughters there are certain things only my mom should buy for her because she knows exactly what she wants. The laughter and shared memories between my mom and my aunties about these moments are truly heartwarming.

Now, let me be clear—this doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally do things the other dislikes. But they’ve learned to understand each other, to coexist with love and respect. After all, isn’t that what all relationships require?

I remember a particular moment that perfectly captured their bond. When my mom was taking care of my sister-in-law after she had her baby, my grandma jokingly asked something like, “So when will you come back to take care of my son?” 😂😂🤣

To some, that might sound odd or even uncomfortable. But to me, it was beautiful. My grandma wasn’t just acknowledging my mom’s role in nursing her grandchild—she was also recognizing that her son was in good hands with his wife. And when my mom finally returned home after helping my sister-in-law, my grandma was filled with gratitude, thanking her for everything she does, not just for her son, but also the baby.

This experience taught me something important: as a mother, of course, you will always love your own child (as my grandma does my dad), but that love must also extend to the person they choose to marry. If my mom and grandma didn’t have such a strong, friendly relationship, a comment like that could have been misinterpreted. But their bond is built on love and mutual respect, just like the one I share with my own mother.

So darling, when you pray for marriage, pray for all that it encompasses. A marriage is not just about two people. It is a blending of families and relationships. It is love that grows beyond just husband and wife.

With motherly smiles,

HerSplendidThoughts