Inspired by the rude relatives thread BUT nice stories instead!

[RickinNYC]

When my partner and I had been together for more than a year, I nervously decided to bring him home for the Easter holiday. I had hopes that my (then) intolerant parents would welcome him into the family, though I had very little expectations. My father is a former career military man, very Republican and extremely Roman Catholic. My mom is a traditional Japanese woman who follows her husband's belief system.

In any case, Joe and I came home for Easter. All was well when on the first evening, Dad asked Joe what his parents did. Joe explained, much to my parents horror, that his father had died of leukemia when Joe was 19 and his mother had died of diabetes when he was only 13. Both my Mom and Dad didn't know what to say. They merely said they were so sorry if they brought up anything painful.

I felt so bad for them. They were stricken. But they recovered well. My mom immediately launched into, "Well, you have us for a family now and you're the fourth son." Both Joe and I were touched.

The following day, Saturday, my mom had a mysterious "errand" that she just had to run and she disappeared for a couple of hours. Upon her return, she came in with a massive Easter basket with Joe's name prominently displayed. She cheerfully handed it to him with a shy "Happy Easter." I jokingly said that she forgot me when she went into the dining room and came out with a matching one for yours truly. She wished me "Happy Easter" and then quietly whispered that she didn't think to get one for Joe and that she was so sorry. I was flabbergasted.

The next day, Easter Sunday, we were to go to brunch at an old family friend's home. It was hosted by a family who are like my second parents. Two of the nicest, kindest people you could ever meet.

When we sat in the dining room, I saw place cards for each of us with a giant, solid chocolate bunny on our respective plates. And on each bunny was imprinted our names. And Joe had one all to himself. Apparenlty these had to be ordered weeks in advance and they had no qualms about including Joe even then!

It was a great holiday weekend and it was clear that my family and my "second" family welcomed Joe into their lives as much as I welcomed him into mine!

Yet another moment that I fondly recall. Several months after that fateful Easter holiday, just prior to Christmas, I learned how firmly entrenched Joe had become with my family.

Dad, I and Joe were walking through the mall, doing some last minute Christmas shopping. Dad was remarking to the two of us how he recalled buying my brothers and I our first navy blue blazer with brass buttons. He kept saying that ALL men must have one in their wardrobe no matter what. Joe idley commented that he never owned one.

Dad stopped walking along and looked at Joe. He said in a very fond tone, "I've bought all three of my sons their first navy blue blazer. I've always thought it was my duty as their Dad." Joe commented how nice that was and simply let it go.

Dad didn't. He looked at Joe once more and said very firmly, "Let's go buy you that blazer." And the two of them spent the rest of the afternoon finding one that had the perfect fit while I trailed along behind them. Joe kept glancing at me with a look of total awe and I looked back at the two of them with complete love.

My folks are pretty darn cool. I'm lucky to have 'em!

So I know that it's easier to remember the cruel actions or nasty comments our folks or relatives have done. But I know that there are stories out there of when a family member did something so amazing, you have to share! So let's hear those stories!

 

[Jeafl]

What a wonderful story! You are truly blessed to have such great parents.

 

[Sonya]

Great story!

When my mom had cancer and was going through chemo and loosing her hair, on of my cousins got a drive going to collect enough money to buy her a wig.

My mom never met a stranger, when the holidays come around and everyone is off with their family, we always have one or more people at our table who doesn't have family in the area or just needed a place to be with friends.

 

[RUDisney]

I have parents who would do absolutely anything for us. When we were growing up, it was never unheard of for them to drive us here, there and everywhere to meet or pick up or friends. When we adopted our kids, it was clear that my parents would be the after-school care and summer care. They expect nothing in return.

When I needed a sitter on Saturday night, my 12 yo sister was available. I picked her up and told my Mom that we'd be home around 11:00 and I'd bring my sister home if she didn't want to sleep over. My Mom insisted that we call her on our way home and she and my Dad would come to pick her up.

We went to my sister's baby shower yesterday and I have never been around a family other than my own parents and siblings who are so genuinely nice to one another. It was at my BIL's parent's house and his siblings and Mom we so lovely. I know that it isn't an act because I've been in their company before. My sister is really blessed to have married into such a nice family.

 

[JAP]

Great stories! I have wonderful in-laws that help out all the time.

 

[peg2001]

My MIL has always been very open with how thrilled she is to have me in the family. (It helps that she HATED the girl my DH was dating before he met me.) Both she and my FIL have done more for us than I could mention here, from helping with house remodeling to making adorable matching dresses for my DD's.

They are so friendly and easy-going that we bring them with us to my side-of-the-family for Christmas celebrations. This way, we don't have to "choose" each year who to be with.

Peggy

 

[Pat_Elliott]

What a great story Rick! I listen to friends stories (and the occasional Disboard story) about awful parents, and especially awful inlaws, and I feel so lucky. I can spend time with either of our parents. And amazingly, if we had to choose someone to spend the weekend with, I'd choose my mother and father in-law.

When I met my future inlaws, it was an awful moment. I'm a big guy, 6'2", 200 pounds, flaming red hair. Being 28 at the time and in the thriving, hip field of computers, that flaming red hair was halfway down my back in a ponytail and I had an earing. My then future inlaws were upstate NY dairy farmers who put the "Nixon" in conservative. And not one member of the family stands more than 5' 6".

When I was introduced to Charlie, he did one of these numbers where he shook my hand and wouldn't let go, apparently trying to determine both how much pain I could take and whether I had the gumption to give it right back (I didn't, and it hurt!) He eyed me up like one of his cows. All he had to say was "well, he's a big fella," to Amy and her mother, oblivious to the fact I was also in the room. Amy later said it was hilarious to see a man of his size so obviously shaking me in my boots.

After dinner, he asked me what I wanted to do with my evening. I said I'd like to do whatever they normally do on a Saturday night. He said "we normally play cards and drink a couple cases of beer."

We've been best friends ever since. I even gave him my ear ring later that night (did it on a dare anyway). He still has it. I can truly say Charlie is my best friend. I think if anything ever happened between Amy and me, we'd remain so. But he doesn't really have to worry about that.

I'm a Disney-type of guy. I like happy endings!

 

[christineann]

Two years ago my brother qualified for a company convention in Maui. His wife was 7 1/2 months pregnant and insisted that he go anyway. He asked me to go with him - all I had to bring was my clothes and misc spending money. I told him I just couldn't but he talked me into it. I'm a divorced mom of 2 teenagers and could never ever begin to afford a trip like that. My teenagers insisted that I go, and they stayed at my folks' house. We had a fabulous time! He's always been a wonderful supportive little brother, and I love him dearly.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

My MIL is the BEST. You always hear horror stories about MILs being like evil and stuff...my MIL is the exact opposite. She's so wonderful. DH and I went through a very bad financial time shortly after buying our first house (I guess we had no idea what all could go wrong in a house right after you sign the closing papers ) Then I got pregnant and we had to spend a lot of money on medical bills and stuff. Needless to say, we were very stressed out. Sure we were enjoying our own house and our new baby, but financially we were drained. She then paid for us to all go on a trip to Disney World...and we ended up staying at the Poly (since the CBR was closed due to the redecorating they were doing over there) She paid for the whole trip. She also gave us some money to help cover the medical bills. She's wonderful and I'm so lucky to have not only married a great guy but to marry a great guy that has the best mother

 

[momof4kids]

I have the most wonderful inlaws! When my DH and I married I had 3 sons from a previous marriage, and now we have a daughter together. My MIL and FIL treat my boys just like they were their own grandchildren....they send them birthday cards with money tucked inside, have a huge Easter Egg hunt at their house, Christmas presents, she makes them a Valentine candy bag each year, (they did all this even before we had our daughter), they ask me how they are doing when we are there without them.

I feel so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family!

 

[BrerMom]

Both sets of DH's grandparents were the first to accept me as part of the family. It was so sweet, all four insisted that I call them Grandma and Grandpa. They spent so much time with me explaining who was related to whom and how. I listened to stories of DH's, SIL's, and even his parents' childhoods. For one set, DH and his sister are the only grandkids. I overheard DGM once say on the phone, "Well, I'll just send my three grandkids over to pick it up for me." I still get warm fuzzies remembering how loved I felt by all of them at the beginning of our marriage. I really miss them....

 

[debster812]

What great stories.

I too, have had the good fortune to marry into a great family. DH is one of 8 kids. My in-laws are just absolutely awesome. We are currently at 18 grandchildren, with 2 more on the way, and if MIL had her way, there would be 30 or more.

One of DH's sisters married a man with 2 children from a previous marriage. These kids have been part of our family since they were 9 & 11 (They are now 23 & 21). Not once did I EVER hear my in-laws refer to them as Step anything. They are simply 2 more of the grandchildren. And they truly are.

I was also severly hormonal/post partum bluesey after I had DS. My MIL took 5 days off from work, called me every morning, asked how we were doing, came by with juice, breakfast, tea, whatever. She would sit with DS for an hour or two, and let me just deal with my funk, and I think it REALLY helped me to snap right out of it. I will never forget her kindness and love to me then.

I love these stories. Rick, yours made me teary-eyed!

 

[browneyes]

Great stories.

I have the bestest SIL in the world. She'd do anything for me and she knows she can ask me to do anything for her. I told her if my brother and she ever divorced, she's still got me as her sister. My dd call my SIL's parents her other grandparents.

 

[reddixie]

Unfortunately I have some of the worst parents in the world. But fortunately it gave me one of my greatest memories. Ok I'll try to be brief. I was placed in foster care at 13 due to abuse from Dad. Plus Mom having been missing for 5 years. I finally end up with the most wonderful foster parents. They were great theirselves but my story is just beginning. I move into this fabulous house, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, nicer than anything I had ever seen. I was so impressed. Well a little over a year later we are told that we are taking a trip out west. I am from Ga. originally. Well we leave for a two week vacation. We are traveling to St. Louis to see the arch then through Kansas to Denver. Here we stay overnight and then head to Estees Park. Then we head north to Yellowstone Park. Then off to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Now back south through Branson Missouri where we stay for 4 days. Then onto Eureka Springs Arkansas and the Great Passion Play. Finally back home. Well the whole trip we had to keep a journal. We stayed in nice hotels like Marriot and Holiday Inn with pools. We pretty much ate out every meal. At the end we had to write a nice letter to a gentleman who had financed our trip. It seems he had heard of my fantastic foster family and had built them this special house. Instead of the monthly mortgage payment for the first year it went into a special account which was set up to take us all on a once in a lifetime trip. He did take the amount of the payments off of their mortagage and payed all expenses. He did this without telling my foster family and sent the check at our one year anniversary and mom and dad were able to plan for 3 months making it a most memorable vacation.Therefore their is a man out there who has the biggest heart and I will never be able to thank him personally. It helped restore our faith in humanity and gave us the travel bug.

 

[Claudia1]

24 years ago, when DH and I had been married for 3 years, our home burned and we lost virtually everything. The only things that I kept were tattered and scorched mememtos....... nothing that could ever be used. That was on Dec. 3.

My immediate and extended families were all right there, bringing housewares and all sorts of stuff from thier own homes to get us back on our feet.

That Christmas, I thought it a bit unusual to have a large gift exchange (usually we just do immediate families, not the extended ones) but I thought it would be fun. When the gifts were passed around, I realized that they were all for us! The were giving us their Christmas to get us back on out feet!

I still have some of the kitchenware, that I keep just to remind me of their love and support over the years. My family has taught me to share all that I have with those in need and I hope my children learn the same lesson, although without so much trauma!

 

[tigercat]

I come from a fairly large family. There were 8 children. I had 4 sisters. My SIL from the 2nd DB though is more my DS than an IL. I am always telling people about my DS and DB who have 4 children. They look at me strange thinking that I have siblings who have married each other. When my son died the rest of the family told me to get over it, didn't give me a lot of help with my older 2 dd's and thought I was being silly by being so sad. My DSIL though sat with me and talked with me. She helped me cry, and would help me with the kids. I don't think I would have made it through that time period if it wasn't for her. We were all living in the same house at the time (with the house separated into 2 apartments) and she was pregnant with her first but she was there for me as no one else was. We now of course have our own houses and I would prefer to spend time with her over any of the rest of the family.
tigercat

 

[RickinNYC]

Keep those stories coming folks! The "rude relative" post is a few pages longer than this one and we can't let them win! Prove that good beats evil! LOL!

I do have another story to share. My folks had three boys (my older brother, myself and my little brother). My little bro is a little more than 7 years younger than me and was most definitely an "accident." Although a very happy, pretty amazing, and incredibly welcome accident, but an accident nonetheless.

Our parents were both 39/40 when he was born and they were both incredibly busy during his childhood. Rest assured, they doted on him, were the best of parents, but they just didn't have the same amount of time available when they raised my older bro and I. Things like that happen.

In any case, my little bro (John) and I were quite close. Sure, I teased him, roughed him up, made him angry, but isn't that an older brother's job? But I digress. John was a perpetually happy little boy. Always humming a tune, singing a song, drawing pictures. Just a happy little boy, no more, no less.

As we got older, Mom and Dad had less and less time to teach John the basic's of childhood such as how to ride a bike, how to throw a football, how to play baseball, how to swim. They hardly had to the time to take him to movies, trick or treating, camping in the backyard. Kid stuff.

So, big brother that I was, in between the teasing and "making fun", I taught him all the stuff I thought he needed to know, like football, baseball, how to hawk a loogie, fishing, where to hide the boogies so Mom doesn't get mad, swimming, and on and on. he was my best little bud and we had fun. We got in trouble sometimes... well, I did. I never ratted him out.

I took him to his first movie, took him trick or treating, pushed his darn bike all over the neighborhood so he wouldn't fall, got him to jump in the pool the first time. We had a good time growing up.

Anyway, years flash by. He's in college, I've been a working yuppie for several years. We're home for the holidays and crashing in his room. Joe (my partner), John and I were just catching up when the doorbell rings over and over and over again. His room fills up with his old friends that I had never met. He told me he had wanted to see us, but that he also wanted to see his friends so he hoped I didn't mind.

When the room was full and everyone was chatting and laughing over each other, John stood up and introduced the two of us. "This is my big brother Rick," he said. And as God is my witness, they all turned as one unit and stared.

And in turn, each person said something, "Hey, you're the one that taught John how to swim."
"You taught him how to play football!"
"You took him trick or treating..."
"You took him to see 101 Dalmations!"
"You taught him how to ride a bike!"

And the list went on and on... and Joe (the partner) just sat back and smiled his smile and took it all in. And I sat there with my jaw open and a goofy look on my face. I asked John, "How do they know all this? How did you remember all this?"

And John simply said, "You raised me more than Mom and Dad ever did. I love them, but you were my third parent. You taught me more than anyone else and you took me everywhere. How could I forget?"

And his friends each came over to me a couple at a time and shook my hand. "I wish my brother did those things." "If only my sister did that."

I had to leave the room for a little while. If you've never seen a 6'4" galoot cry, it aint pretty.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

DH and I do not live near any of our family. But his mom is awesome. DH and I are both in the Air National Guard, and we have to work 1 weekend a month (the same weekend). With no family near by we have to bring in a babysitter. This is not a cheap venture since it is not considered "daycare" on the weekends. It usually ends up costing me 1/3 to 1/2 my paycheck for the weekend.

Well, at least 3 times a year, DH's mom flies down from St Louis (on her dime) to visit her granddaughters. And she always comes down on a weekend we are working. She doesn't see much of her son or me, but she doesn't mind that. And she saves us quite a bit of money. Pretty cool. Of course if we lived in the same town as her, she would be the babysitter on all of those weekends. She is just that type of person!