Though you are my husband’s parents, I look on you as a second mum and dad. From very early on in our relationship you have made me feel loved and welcome. I remember being so nervous when I came to meet you both that first time. It did not ease my nerves any that your son, my beloved husband, was out when I arrived. However, you were so nice and approachable that, by the time Peter arrived, I was so engrossed in our conversation I had nearly forgotten he wasn’t there.
It was not long before I became your daughter-in-law and I could not have felt more loved if I was your actual daughter. Things did not stay easy for long, as it was only six months into our marriage that I became very ill and was retired from my job as a staff nurse, due to ill health. You stepped in and helped me even more. If I was ill you came round to help and all through my many stays in hospital you visited to cheer me up and make me smile.
When I became pregnant with your first grandchild, you were as happy as Peter and I were. Sadly, I lost the baby at 10 weeks and it was you, Mum, who was with my own mother and me when I found out. To this day, I remember you holding me while I cried bitterly for the baby I had loved. When I became pregnant again, you said you wanted to wrap me up in cotton wool till the baby arrived. Thank God, in July 2002, our beautiful daughter Maria was born. Sadness followed again as she fell desperately ill and fought for her life in intensive care for nearly three weeks. You sat in the waiting room with Peter, my mum and me while the medical team fought for her life. When we chose to have her christened in the intensive care unit, you were both there as our little girl was baptised. The tears we all shed as we stood at the side of her cot looking down on her.
After what seemed an eternity we were able to bring Maria home and you have been the most wonderful grandparents. When our daughter was three months old we had a welcoming ceremony for her in the church and invited all our family and friends. The whole church stood and gave her a standing ovation when the priest held her up in front of the congregation. We were all so happy and proud that day.
You are wonderful parents to your own two sons, Peter and Philip, and the most wonderful grandparents to your four grandchildren. To me, you are people I can go to for advice and support or simply a chat and a gossip. You help with whatever I ask. I do not feel you are told often enough just how much you are cared about and how grateful I am that you are both in my life. This is especially true now, since I lost my own mother in December 2010. Now I come to you as easily for advice and help as I would have gone to her.
You celebrated your golden wedding last November and it was lovely when all your family came together to help you celebrate such a wonderful achievement. I just want to thank you both so very much for the love and support you have given me and my family since the very first time I met you. I am so proud to call you both Mum and Dad.
Love, your daughter-in-law Geraldine xxx
