My mother-in-law, Althea, died last night. She passed away quietly, and although I’m glad she didn’t suffer – passing away quietly was not the Althea I knew.
I first met her, before I was married to her son, at a little league baseball game. Her eyes rarely left the field as she cheered the team on, yelling every line of baseball chatter at the top of her lungs.
After the game she turned to me and asked, “Which one is yours?”
“The shortstop.”
Her eyes lit up and she finally smiled at me. “Oh, the one that hustles.”
She believed you should raise your children to be the best and, thanks to my son, I passed her test. We’ve been friends ever since.
I have a lot of memories of time spent with Althea, but this is one of my favorites. Every Labor Day we drove out to the small town where she lived, and spent the weekend. At one point I said I needed to run to the grocery store. She said she’d ride along. The streets didn’t have any stop signs so at each intersection I paused to make sure it was clear before driving through.
“What are you doing?” she snapped.
“I’m not really sure who has the right-of-way.”
“Well! I do, of course!”
I have no doubt that was true.
Althea never had a thought in her head that didn’t come out of her mouth and most of those thoughts were about her children. She was passionately proud of them, as well she should be. She raised three of the most strong-willed, caring and loyal people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.
John, Peggy, Jim – my thoughts are with you.
CRAZIE TOWN 
Sorry to read about your loss. It sounds as though you loved your mother-in-law. You are the first person I’ve encountered who does.
KL,
I did love her – although she didn’t approve of anyone saying “that word” as she called it.
Your words and thoughts are so very special about John’s Mom and I am so grateful to have met her. Our family has been praying for you and John.
Blessings to you and John and your family. I am sorry for your loss, but am happy you have such wonderful memories to go on!!!
God Bless! — patti v.s.
My aunt passed away last night too…..my thoughts and prayers are with you all. And please continue to share your Althea stories!! I’m wondering if Althea and Aunt Margaret had a race to the gates….both very strong willed women…..
Great tribute to Mimi. You certainly captured her spirit!
Praying for your comfort at this difficult time. I’m sure she’ll be greatly missed.
I love the feisty ones!! She sounds like she was a blast. 🙂 Much love to you and yours.
Crazie, my sincerest sympathies to you, your husband, and the family at the passing of Althea. She sounds like a great person.