In the beginning...Meeting HIS Mom

One thing I need to say right now is that Irma, Nik's mom and my future mother in law, is the kindest, most understanding and least judgemental person I have ever had the privilege to know.  But the initial meeting of her had me in a state of sheer panic.

Sicily 1943 (Sophia Patrillo form the Golden Girls), just kidding...

Almost three years ago, Nik wanted to take me to meet his mom. I was honored, excited and oh my god nervous doesn't accurately describe the emotion that I felt.  It didn't really help that he told me two weeks in advance so I had plenty of time to create these scenarios in my mind of a disaster taking place at the initial meeting. Here I am (for two weeks) trying to think about what I was going to wear, remember the tattoos and first impressions, thank goodness it was the fall and it was COLD!  Long sleeves, I was saved, because you know even I couldn't pull off a long sleeved shirt in the summer now, come on! 

I was working with a dear friend Holley at the time.  I discussed my fears with her, she lovingly offered me Xanax.  She understood and listened and laughed hysterically at me.  She even helped me decide what to wear, jeans, white button up and Chuck Taylors of course. 

So the day came after waiting what seemed like years, Nik picked me up.  He took me early so that I could meet her before everyone else arrived. He introduced me at his sister, Ily and her husband, Brad's birthday gathering.

When I got there, she made her grand entrance.  The first thing I noticed was her smile.  I had already been warned that Hispanic people hug, a lot.  Nik had warned me because I am really, well was really, a space person and would stiffen up when someone would try to hug me.  Well she hugged me, for real not for show.  We sat on the couch and talked.  It was great. 

I found out later on that she was nervous to meet me as well. Nik laughs to this day about my trepidation concerning meeting her.  We got along immediately.  We bonded over the love of strong coffee, Bustelo which she introduced me to that night, Madea (Tyler Perry) movies and the love of her son, my future husband.

After we left her house that night, I told him and remind him often how lucky he is to have such a wonderful mother. Something else profound happened that night, there is something special about the way a man treats his mother, it spills over into the way he treats his girlfriend, fiance, and wife. I already knew I loved him, but when I saw the interaction between his mom and him, I loved him even more.

That night I told him that I loved him for the first time...