Just Wrote Me a Letter...

I can't believe I forgot to tell you this!

My MIL DID write me a letter. It was absurd, actually. She went on to say she didn't realize what a taboo subject she broached with a Catholic. Now, I am Catholic. I believe in God, and have a very strong foundation in my faith. HOWEVER, that is my business, and discussing all that stuff makes me somewhat uncomfortable. I am comfortable with my beliefs, and I wouldn't impress them on anyone, and likewise, do not deal well when other's beliefs are impressed upon me.

THAT SAID. The letter goes on and on and on to say how she was not forcing anything on us, and how she was a Christian woman too, and it was a little over the top. To the tune of 7 pages over the top. She also apologized for upsetting me (but personally, it was for most of the wrong reasons, shocking).

So. After I calmed down a bit, I decided the best way to get across was to write my own letter. I drafted it, I read it to the Hubs, to my own mother, and probably about 85% of my friends. I just wanted to get lots of opinions. My letter was very diplomatic, I went on to say that I didn't want her to get the impression that I was overly religious or righteous, but the Hubs and I need to find out own path on this journey. I think I was fair, nice, and firmly stated what I wanted to say, without being bitchy or snarky. I did what I had to do. I also explained that I was not comfortable discussing this whole thing with her just yet, and someday (yea, right) when I am, I will reach out to her. I also included this article, with hopes that maybe she'll start to get it, and this one, to drive the point home. I also closed with the fact that I forgive her, I don't hold any grudges or anything, and I would like to just move on from this whole thing. See, I can be a responsible adult sometimes too.

I mailed this letter while I was on vacation, on Monday. So, she should have received it.

She called the Hubs on Sunday, to tell him to wish me a happy birthday for her. (For what it's worth, my birthday was Saturday). She didn't mention anything about the letter I wrote...Interesting (I must have scared her off!). She was also kind enough to send some gifts and a card. Now, I am not trying to be ungrateful - I appreciate the gesture and all, but she has sent some truly wacky gifts in the past. Usually, they are not my taste, and reek like a beer-soaked cigarette. Once I got blue suede Ise.toner gloves (has anyone seen them since 1986?). Last year for Christmas, I received no fewer than 3 white puffy vests, and a singular, untagged but clean, giant pair of underwear (seriously). I opened my birthday present, and I received two eyelet nightgowns in white and pink, in mostly gargantuan sizes (I am not sure how large she thinks I am, but this is another sore subject with me - she is under the impression that I weigh at least 200 lbs. - which I do not), and a swim cover-up that I think was actually designed for a whale. She buys these things at the PX, so return or exchange is often not an option. I really hope the recipients at my local Goo.dwill are grateful.