Photo by Bill Stokes
By Bill Stokes
Kickass, the doorstop dog, joins the keeper in this season of pointing out special people to honor by suggesting that on top of the heroes’ list should be the mother-in-law.
Being a successful mother-in-law has to be the most demanding role imposed on any of the tribal members, and it is particularly challenging during the holidays.
Expecting a mother to suddenly share her unabashed love and devotion of her “perfect-but-still-needs-work” offspring is akin to asking her to cut off her arm.
And incredibly most of the mothers-in-laws start sawing away.
It has been a mixed bag for the keeper and mothers-in-law, once having one who did not make a big deal out of her ability to out-fish him, and meeting Phyllis mother in time to get a knowing smile.
Then there is the mother-in-law he lives with, Phyllis, who handles the role with great aplomb as her son-in-law and two daughters-in-law would attest.
A seasonal toast to the mothers-in-law: Phyllis favors sweet white wine.
