DEAR ABBY: Mothers-in-law are so often given a "bad rap," I just have to tell you about mine.
Recently my marriage was faltering. My husband, "Jack," is a complex man whom I had always had great difficulty understanding. I felt I had tried just about everything, and was one step away from filing for divorce.
Out of desperation, I called my mother-in-law (I'll call her "Adele"). She listened as I poured out the story. She did not judge, criticize or condemn either one of us. She supported her son and me equally. Adele provided some keen insights into Jack that I didn't have. In a kind and gentle way, she also helped me to see where I needed to improve.
I learned a lot about my husband and also about myself from Adele's wisdom, and I'm putting what I learned into practice. Jack and I are staying married, and our marriage is growing stronger.
I thank God for my mother-in-law every night, and I pray that when my children are grown and have spouses of their own, I will be to them the same wise and loving mother-in-law that Adele is to me. -- MICHELLE IN GEORGIA
DEAR MICHELLE: What a beautiful tribute to your mother-in-law. As your letter so accurately illustrates, there are times when it takes more than two to make a marriage flourish. Thank you for sharing that valuable lesson. Adele sounds like a jewel.