On here I read about so many of you who have in-laws who are part of the problem. I do not know how you survive. My in-laws have just been here for their first visit to our house since our wedding. DH's mom and all 3of his siblings came (FIL passed long before I met DH). Stayed in our house. Skids came over (I fetched them). A big jolly but very quick visit.

This morning as they were leaving I was so taken aback they presented me with a beautiful hostess gift and an amazing thank you card they all signed! I got all choked up! The card was effusive in its message about how much I'm appreciated and acknowledging I don't get thanked enough. And their personal messages included how "great" I am not only with DH, but with the skids.

Later, my bil gave me a great big bear hug saying how good I was for the kids and "I'm so glad you're in our family." Bils also admired how much SS has improved (autistic) then looked at me and said, "I believe we have you to thank for that."

Sniffle! Watery eyes! Zingy zings in my heart! It felt so good and it was so unexpected. Ha! AFTER all this big display, my phone rings and it's the school with a medical/behavioral dilemma with SS13. Yes, the school called ME right in front of these lovely in-laws.

This step journey has been so difficult and so unpleasant with just ONE person causing trouble (SD15). I could not have done it without the support and love of my DH, SS, and all these wonderful in-laws rooting for me and supporting our marriage. And with all these advantages it has still had me on the ledge many times. I DO NOT KNOW HOW ALL OF YOU WITH ROTTEN IN LAWS GET THROUGH THIS ALIVE. I really, really don't.

Wanted to share this happy story with all of you and give those with more difficult situations than me (and that is most of you) a giant, colossal, thundering round of applause and hat's off. I am so lucky to have married into this lovely family and I wish the rest of you could have that.