My mother-in-law was among the kindest women I had ever met. She truly loved her family. Each of her children was her whole heart, making it three times a normal heart and just bursting with love. I’ll never forget the joy on her face when we announced we were expecting McKenna. On Granparents’ Day, we wrapped up a pacifier on a Dr. Who pacifier clip with a note telling her to hang until to it until springtime. She understood immediately. She was so excited to be a grandma.

I had lost my mom about 8 months prior. She knew that a girl needs her mom when she is expecting but she didn’t want to overstep and make me feel uncomfortable. She was so good like that…giving me comfort without making it all weird.

She and my father-in-law were among the first to visit at the hospital when McKenna was born. They even made the trek out to my dad’s house when we came home bringing along great grandma and great grandpa…and food. She would have moved heaven and earth to see that child.

After we bought our new house and started renovations, McKenna and I were left on our own many a weekend. Donna, McKenna, and I would go shopping or to lunch…or more likely both. We would stop by to check in on the menfolk before heading out again. She liked to spoil McKenna with school clothes from Von Maur…clothes that were way to pretty to be ruined with finger paints.

So it didn’t surprise me at all when I found a cute little ensemble with tags still attached while cleaning out the closets this weekend. It was purchased over a year ago but would just be fitting her this season. It was perfect…McKenna could wear it for Easter. When I showed it to my sister-in-law, she recognized it immediately as being her mom’s style.

I’m saddened that Donna isn’t here to see McKenna in her new outfit this year, but it makes me so happy when I run across something else she had given her. McKenna always seems to know when she is wearing something her grandma bought for her. Maybe Donna is whispering in her ear.

I am writing for the Two Writing Teachers March Writing Challenge