Changing identites

On Saturday I became a mother-in-law.  My son is now a husband.  He married the love of his life in a beautiful ceremony in front of their friends and family.  It was a hugely emotional day for me, far more than I anticipated, and for many reasons.  But what shone through the whole day was the love these two young people have for each other.  Quite simply, they make each other very happy.  And as a mum, I cannot ask for any more for either of my children.

I have found myself in a very reflective mood over these past few days leading up to the wedding, and since.  Memories of tiny babies, helpless and totally dependent.  Schooldays.  Leaving home.  Changing roles; theirs and mine.  I have given much time and thought to the concept of family, and the sad realisation that not all families 'work' even though we want them to.  I am fortunate that I can surround myself with people I love, whom I care deeply about and who in turn feel the same towards me.   The family configuration may have changed - some have chosen to leave - but I feel blessed and thankful to be part of the family that I have, and that has been added to this weekend as we welcomed Jo as our daughter-in-law.

We are now back home, and beginning to decorate the lounge.  We'll get there.

It has poured with rain today, with some thunder thrown in for good measure.  The garden could certainly do with a good soaking; the lawn in more brown than green and the leaves on the tomatoes have curled up.  Yes, a drop of rain has been very welcome.