John’s mom, Colene Parker, is with us for a few weeks, and it is just lovely.  That’s because we’re just youngsters in our early 60’s, and it’s always nice to have someone about thirty years older —  to care for and enjoy, to talk with and listen to, to take us out of ourselves, and to remind us how young we are.

It’s nice to have peaceable oldsters, vintage treasures you could say.  And if they keep their silver hair done, and their bright pink nails as well, wear plenty of jewelry, and lovely sweaters with their new blue jeans, so much the better.

If they agree with you that your children/their grandchildren are truly the finest folks ever, what else do you need, really?  We have our mutual admiration society, and dissenting opinions/views need not be considered.

It’s true.  Men very often do marry their mothers.  I once would have said my mother-in-law and I have love of John, and our children/grandchildren in common, and not that much else.  But as I study her, I have to reassess.  We both consider ourselves good managers (“not bossy, my ideas are just better”)* We both like music, art, things that sparkle, reading and crosswords.  We think a good time is what we did on the way home from the airport after picking her up Sunday night:  exclaim over all the Christmas lights; wear red and extra eye make-up, talk about blessings, eat and buy Alan Jackson Christmas CD’s at Cracker Barrel.

We made arrangements to meet Hannah (my daughter who is also lots like Colene) at Cracker Barrel.  We talked about the beloveds in our lives, and how perfect it was that Colene flew in the day before the imminent big snow.  I planned (knowing she’d agree) that we’d build a fire and read romances and drink coffee with Peppermint Jo Jo’s the next day.  We enjoyed our little circle of love.

John smiled at me in the mirror as we drove, (Colene sat beside him because it was easier for her to get into the front seat, and as I prefer sitting in back when I can) saying, “Thank you for being nice to my mommy.”

What’s not to like/love/appreciate?  She raised you, and she did a darn good job.

Plus, she likes, and is lots like, that gal in my mirror.  Who can resist?