I’m Done Trying-The Mother In Law Chronicles

    Since becoming a mother, my perspective on a lot of things has changed considerably.  I suppose bringing new life into the world has its ways of shuffling your priorities.  It's no secret that I have never had a close relationship with my Mother In Law.  I'm not going to get into the reasons why this is so, all you have to do is type "Mother In Law" into this blog's search and you will learn all about our rocky history.  The sad part is that my last post a few years ago was actually hopeful after a surprise visit where everyone got along...     Unfortunately, she has been an absentee grandmother in my sons' lives and the good feelings were short lived.  To be fair to her, she lives 12 hours away in another state and does not come to New York City very often.  On the other hand, as a mother, I cannot even fathom how maintaining contact with her grandsons is not more of a priority for her.  There really is no excuse with all of the technology that is available to keep in touch even … [Read more...]

The Mother In Law Chronicles-Letting Go!

      Many of you who have been loyal readers of Tough Cookie Mommy know that I have always had a tumultuous relationship with my Mother In Law.  Although I feel that I have tried to connect with her over the years, she has always pushed me away due to what I feel are her extreme conservative religious views.     As time has passed, I have learned to accept that she is never going to like me or even respect me and I have resigned myself to the boundaries of our relationship.  What I have not been able to accept, however, is her continued absence from my sons' lives as their grandmother.  She has never worked to establish a relationship with either one of my sons and this has always been a sore spot for me.     Most recently, she failed to call my oldest son for this ninth birthday and it was really the straw that broke the camel's back.  You see, she never calls either one of my sons for any holiday.  As a matter of fact, the extent of her contact over the years with them has … [Read more...]