My mother-in-law and I are two very different people.

When I first came into the Kirksey family, she both impressed and overwhelmed me. She was a very capable businesswoman, somewhat outspoken, dressed beautifully, carried herself very professionally, loved to shop, and seemed very extroverted.

I, on the other hand, was clueless as to who Alison was, hated shopping, was an introvert to the core, sometimes wore my husband’s sweaters since we were living pretty humbly, and though I could cater the heck out of a party, I couldn’t even answer the phones at the office the family business was in (where she was so successful) without hanging up on people. Often.

She was a career woman, I was a homemaker. We just had two different sets of lenses for the world. As we all do, she and I each have gone through myriad changes over the last 29 years as women and have come out the other side, heart to heart. She came to stay with us when the world went to heck in a hand basket. She brought a generous donation of toilet paper, willing hands, and some much needed hugs. The treasured nuggets we shared together, looking at photo albums, and singing, and moments of understanding will always matter to my heart. She never had a daughter. I didn’t have a true mother. And God has weaved those things together — boy, do I love that woman!

I asked her to share some of her truths and stories. She wrote them (handwritten letters) and sent them to me. I share the first with you today. This is the first time she has attempted to write like this, but she said it was hard to say no “when God speaks to your daughter and He wants you to use your story to help others.” Isn’t that beautiful?

I asked her to share the lessons she’s learned that she would like to share with her children and grandchildren. This is what she said…(it keeps making me cry)

• Jesus and God’s Word need to be a part of everyone’s life and their relationships with friends and family.
• Be careful not to go on feelings for someone but on what they stand for and the care and concern for one another is key.
• Be concerned for one another’s ideas and how you respond to them and how they respond to you in trials and differences of opinions. Don’t settle.
• Always remember that Jesus loves us unconditionally. He forgives and forgets our sins — strive to do the same!

What is a thing your mother always said to you that you’ll always cherish? Or maybe your best piece of advice for your children and grandchildren? Please comment below and share with us!