My mother-in-law is not long for this world. I've known this woman since I was 14. She took care of me when my own mother kicked me out for dating a Mexican girl (my now-wife). She opened her home to me. She made dinner for me more times than I can count (and taught me to cook). She bought my clothes through most of High School. She taught me to drive. She taught me how to use a bank account. She was there for me when my father died, and then she was there for me again when my mom died. She showed me what a good parent is like. She's the kindest person I've ever known. I've never heard her say anything bad about anyone. This woman doesn't have a hateful bone in her body. She has no evil in her heart. I've spent the past 37 years holding her up as a role model for my own life.

When my wife and I had an unplanned baby at age 19, she stepped up and helped any time we needed it. She never made us feel guilty. She never guilt tripped us. She gave us nothing but love, and help. If my own mom knew I had a half Mexican baby, she'd be furious. But my MiL never judged me for being white.

She even moved to a different state (NJ-->PA) with us when we decided to relocate to my realize my dream of buying a restaurant. She lives in a MiL suite above my garage, rent free. She still insists on cooking for the family sometimes. I'm at work right now, and she's smoking some goat for our tacos tonight. I won't get home for about 5.5hrs, and I bet she's going to have my tacos ready when I walk in the door.

But age is age, we all get old, and eventually we die. That time is coming for her soon. She'll be lucky to see another full year. I'm going to miss her terribly. I can (and do) dump ridiculous amounts of money into her care, and it's worth it. But it isn't going to be much longer until the doctors tell me there's nothing they can do. I am dreading that day.

I can't unload this on my wife, it wouldn't be fair. She can see the writing on the wall. And she is going to be hurting much more than I am when push comes to shove. I'm going to be the "strong" one, and support her. But Jesus fucking Christ, I am going to miss my MiL so much.