I never had a sister growing up, but now I have seven…the beauty of in-laws!
I have many wonderful friends: a special cousin, a few fabulous university friends, my book club, and some very close colleagues. My daily go-to-girls, however, are my husband’s three sisters and my brother’s wife.
Once you have kids, it is so hard to maintain your friendships. Without email, I honestly don’t think I would have ever been able to keep in touch with some of the terrific women who mean so much to me, just because we really don’t have the time.
Family, however, is a bit easier. There’s always a birthday party, religious holiday or local function to attend, and my sisters-in-law are there. Plus, with nine kids in the family, my husband and his siblings were raised to be very family oriented: they were each other’s playmates and learned to stick together, which I think has helped them develop the relationships they still share today. We all have young kids, so convesation is easy, especially since two of his sisters are fellow teachers, and one provides daycare for Frannie and Maggie —there’s always lots to talk about. Living in the same community also means there’s no lack of gossip either! (Not that we do that. Much.)
When I married my husband, I inherited his three sisters (as well as three of his brother’s wives, who are also fantastic, but unfortunately live out of town). Then when my brother got married, another “sister” was added to my life…lucky for me! I am in contact with all of these in-laws on an almost-daily basis, whether through email, (mostly) brief phone chats, or picking-up-the-kids-at-daycare discussions. A couple of times a year, I go away with my husband’s sisters (the trips usually focus on shopping, food and movies) and when I have a girls’-night-out, you can bet it’s with them.
On my side of the family, my brother’s wife has been a constant supporter of my freelance writing and blogging, and has taught me many lessons about bargain shopping and cooking. (I’m not saying I cook more, but I know more about how to!)
As for the Pandora bead in the photo? That was my birthday present from two of these special women…and the perfect visual to represent this post. My sisters-in-law have been an absolute gift for this sisterless gal, and I truly do thank God for putting them in my life.
You are extremely lucky to have such wonderful SILs!! I have one close one and one very nutty one but there is always at least one in the family right?
Ah…how sweet! Sounds like those SILs are truly great ladies! Be sure to give them extra big presents on their birthdays, or any time of the year.
Keep the compliments coming! We're very fortunate to have you as our sister in law too!
Your favourite SIL, Anne) :):):)
I really enjoyed this blog! I have an amazing relationship with my sister and I am so happy to hear that you have awesome sister-in-laws! There is nothing better than enjoying a tea on a Saturday morning talking to my sister on the phone! I only wish she lived in the same city as me!
Krista S.