So this week I had a bit of a challenge. My mother in law came to my house for dinner…. I invited her.

I know to most people that doesn’t sound like a particularly big deal – and it probably really isn’t, but for me it was a challenge.

She and I have always had quite a superficial relationship. In the early days I tried to like her, and to be liked by her, but the more I got to know, the less I liked. Over the years it has been quite difficult, but I have always been polite and I have always done the right thing because she is Clayties mother and she is my kids grandmother.

There are a million reasons for my opinion of her, but I am not here to air that laundry.. suffice it to say we are not each others favourite people.

She recently told the boys that she is not well, and they have been concerned. They had all considered going to her for a visit, but had not yet managed to get there – she lives in the Hunter Valley. They knew that she had been thinking of coming for a visit, but not when or for how long. She announced her arrival to one of the boys on Friday, and to make it easier for them I organised family dinner at my place. I found it difficult and awkward, but I think the boys appreciated it, and I know that it is what Claytie would have done.

It’s a hard thing when your person dies because a whole lot of relationships change. Some of those changes are really really hard, and others can be a blessing…. But either way it is something else to navigate. This one has always been difficult.