I never quite understood the image of “the mother-in-law” portrayed so frequently as a beast, or the in-laws (in general) from hell. When I first met the Rankins (over 20 years ago!), there was an instant connection. My mother-in-law (Mama B.) opened her heart to me in ways I could never even begin to describe. She filled a definite void for me, and I truly have become the daughter she never had. I’m the youngest of 3 girls, and at age 22, I finally got the little brother I had always wished for.
Me and my bro on one of our many outings together
My Mama B. has been there for me on so many occasions. When I was first home on sick leave from school, she came to take me out for lunch, bringing meals she had cooked to stock our freezer. She was with me when my neurologist wrote me out of work for 6 months. She was with me when I told my principal that I’d be out for 6 months. She was with me when I had to see the state appointed physician for SSDI. She was with me when I met with the NJEA consultant to discuss disability retirement. She then helped me complete all the necessary steps because she knew I needed her support. When I needed to see an independent medical examiner in order to receive my pension, my Mama B. was right by my side. There has never been a time, in 20 years, that she answered “no” to anything at all. Our relationship is like a mother/daughter relationship, but better! There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her, including cleaning out her underwear drawer after she dies (seriously this job has been assigned to me!).
Me and my fabulous Mama B.!
My brother-in-law has always been my brother. We have never used the “in-law” part of the title. Some of my favorite memories are of times just the two of us spent together. Whether we went out for a mini bar crawl in the middle of a summer day, or hung out watching TV, I have always loved spending time with my bro. You can imagine how excited I was when he gave me a little sister by marrying a pretty awesome girl. Yada yada yada….a new little Rankin is on the way!
Me and Bruce with my bro, Scott, and the newest Mrs. Rankin, Dana.
Often people assume that just because I do not have children I must hate them. Feel free to browse the blog entry I wrote “to reproduce or not to reproduce” for a longer explanation of how I feel, but suffice it to say that this could not be further from the truth. I don’t think anyone is more excited about the upcoming addition to the family than I am. I can’t wait to meet my little niece or nephew. I have plenty of “nieces” and “nephews” (my friends’ children), but none of my own. I can’t wait to be a part of this child’s life from the very beginning. I can’t wait to witness the milestones as s(h)e grows up. I can’t wait to be the cool aunt and spoil her/him rotten.
I love these Rankin men.
On multiple occasions in my life, I have felt very strongly that I was taken care of by, let’s just say, the universe. I could name the times, but they wouldn’t have meaning to you. I’m looking at the events of the past year, and realizing just how everything has come together. My Mama B. retired just in time to help me with everything I needed in order to make this huge change in my life. Now I’m not working, so I can enjoy as much time with little baby Rankin when s(h)e gets here! But it’s about way more than the quantity of time I’ll get to spend. It’s true that I had to retire early with a disability, but the unexpected gift of learning to be present in every single moment spent with loved ones, is something I would not have been given otherwise. I’m so lucky I learned in time to welcome the wee one because my heart is just waiting for her/his grand entrance!
This is a Rankin family selfie (including Miles, Scott’s dog), taken after celebrating Dana’s baby shower.
