Small, but Mighty
Becoming a married woman includes for most of us gaining a mother-in-law. Yep, we do marry our husband’s family when we marry him… Let me tell you a little about my “Mom.” (You’ll know I mean my mother-in-law because I’ll always call my own mother, “Momma.”)
Mom Madison is quite a lady, and quite a character!
She stands only a little over five feet tall, but has enough personality for two women. She has a huge sense of humor, a love for fun, and an incredibly generous heart. I’ve never met anyone like her.
Mom was born and raised in Tokyo, lived amidst the horrors of WWII, married an American GI working in the occupational forces after the war, was ostracized by her family for five years because she married “the enemy,” moved to the U.S. to start a new life with Dad, had to live with her in-laws in rural Humboldt county on a chicken ranch, spoke no English, and within a year of moving nearly lost her life giving birth to her first (my husband). Talk about changes and stress!
Despite the hardships, Mom (and Dad) raised two amazing children and built a comfortable life for themselves by a lot of hard work and standing together as a team.
Mom’s mother-in-law, Esther, became the only “mom” she had to go to, and from the stories she has shared, Mom suffered from loneliness. As a result, she became a “second mom” to many young Japanese ladies who have lived in her community. She seeks them out through contacts with friends, and also through the local college community. Mom invites them over for green tea, serves them a home-cooked Japanese meal, speaks their first language with them, and gives them opportunity to have a place to feel loved. Some even lived in their home while taking college courses.
Mom has always been a matchmaker. She introduced one of my nephews to one of “her girls,” and they have been happily married now for many years. She understands the importance of women helping women, especially the younger ones who simply need a friend, advice, or a listening ear. It was when I began writing this post that I realized what an amazing “second mom” she has been for over forty years. She recognizes that the same needs she had as a young woman, wife, and mother, are the same many others experience, and she takes the initiative to make sure others aren’t as lonely in a foreign land.
Her life is yet another example of the importance of us as women reaching out to others and filling in the relational gaps we see. We never know what a cup of tea, the touch of a hand, or the heartfelt smile can do!
Mom is the only parent my husband and I have left, and we are blessed to have her.
Mom cooks for us when we visit, and feeding others is definitely a gift of love from her to everyone at her table. She has taught me many new dishes, and I’d like to share with you my favorite cookie of all time, the “Whopper.” You’ll probably have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen, and the combination is a winner! Make them really big to impress, or a more realistic size to pack in a lunch or snack on. You will thank me!
GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
