Yes, there is such a thing as "National Mother-in-Law Day," and it has apparently been around for almost 90 years.
According to the National Day Calendar website, the holiday was first proposed back in 1934 in Amarillo, Texas, and was initially observed on various days throughout the year. By the 1970's, the American Society of Florists officially proclaimed "National Mother-in-Law Day" to be celebrated every fourth Sunday of October. For this year, it falls on Oct. 22.
Mothers-in-law (MIL) tend to not have the greatest reputation in marriages, which is possibly why the holiday is not that well known. Although personally, I had assumed that MILs were recognized at the same time as our moms on Mother’s Day, which still applies, in my opinion.
Like any relationship, it takes work to cultivate and build connections between children-in-law and their MILs. Seven married children share their experiences with their MIL, and their sweet messages this National Mother-in-Law Day.
Source of inspiration
Dianne says she is most thankful for her MIL’s “wholehearted commitment to serving the family.” According to Dianne, her Mommy Cen also has a deep love for God and natural kindness towards others. These qualities are inspirational for Dianne, and are what she hopes to take after as a wife and once she becomes a mom. “I know Mommy Cen is always there to listen, offer godly advice, and give encouragement and prayers when we need her.”
On cultivating a good and positive relationship with one’s MIL, Dianne shares that she is truly blessed! “In addition to Mommy Cen’s already nurturing and kind personality, living with her for a while allowed me to get to know her better.” Dianne enjoys cooking with her MIL, doing grocery shopping and going to church together. They also made it a habit to share breakfast and coffee in the morning when they were still living under one roof.
This National Mother-in-Law Day, Dianne extends her genuine gratitude for her MIL. “Dear Mommy Cen, I’m thankful for your presence in our lives, and I pray that you continue to bless more people. Stay healthy, beautiful and happy!”
Warm with meaningful conversations
Gelvin describes his MIL as “very caring, always present, always generous, always ready to help and always 100 percent when it comes to helping us out.” Gelvin shares that his Ma. Judith would always make sure he ate; his tummy literally never goes hungry when he is with her. “Her way of showing love is through acts of service, and I am very thankful for that.”
Although he felt a little scared upon meeting his MIL for the first time, back when he was courting his now wife, Jillian, he said she was always welcoming and even her initial interview “was not as hellish as [Gelvin] had expected.” Gelvin says he enjoys going to the mall with his MIL, and trying new restaurants with her. “She appreciates when I drive her around, we also talk about serious matters like family and business.” Gelvin adds that his MIL also expresses her amazement when they talk about his work and other “millennial stuff.”
Now that Gelvin is a new dad, he is even more thankful for his MIL. “Thank you Ma for always being there! Thank you for all the help and we appreciate all the efforts and care for the both of us (Gelvin and wife Jillian), and, of course, to your first apo!” Gelvin quips lovingly how thankful they are that his MIL takes care of his new baby when his wife and him are very busy—or just wanting to “lakwatsa.”
A big heart
“Mommy Aida is known for having a big heart and for her generosity,” says Trisha. She proudly refers to her MIL as “selfless” and “always willing to lend a helping hand whenever you need her,” which she admires and what she’s most thankful for.
Trisha has shared multiple bonding moments with her MIL, “we always make time to spend Sunday family lunches together, which enables us to have spontaneous and unpredictable conversations!” Through weekly gatherings and sharing meals together, Trisha was able to learn many things about her MIL and build many memories with her.
“To my dearest mother-in-law, thank you for always being there for me and loving me like your own daughter. Your support and guidance means a lot, and I am thankful for that. You are the definition of a wonderful mother-in-law,” says Trisha about her Mommy Aida.
Sweet and loving
Micah’s MIL is sweet and loving, and treats Micah like her own daughter. Micah states that there’s no blue print or guide book to getting along with one’s mother-in-law. “It’s about realizing that each mom is one-of-a-kind.” She took time to know her MIL’s hobbies and interests, and found stuff that they both enjoyed. “We have an awesome bond filled with love and good vibes!”
“Happy National Mother-in-Law Day, Ma! Your love and acceptance mean the world to me. Thanks for allowing me to be myself, I love you for that. You’re in my heart always!” says Micah for her MIL Adela.
Always present
“Since day one, I already felt the love, I felt accepted.” Mac says he never had a hard time being close to his wife, Yssa’s family. “Imagine, mother-in-law mo si Ms. Nadia Montenegro (your MIL is Ms. Nadia) She treated me like her own son.”
“Si Mama Nads, kakampi ko yan eh! Lalo pag nagsusungit si Yssa or inaaway ako ni Yssa. Pagtatanggol talaga niya ako, (Mama Nads, she’s my teammate. Especially when Yssa is feisty, or when Yssa fights me. She really defends me,)” says Mac about his MIL. “Dun pa lang, alam kong mahal niya ako, (I know she loves me.)”
Mac lost his mom a few months ago, and he personally experienced then just how blessed he is to have his Mama Nads and Yssa’s family. Mac details how his MIL and his wife Yssa were present “sa huling hinga ng mommy ko (during my mom’s last breath).”
“Mama Nads, thank you for loving me as your own son. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for always guiding me and Yssa. I am not a perfect son-in-law, I make mistakes. But thank you for not judging me. You make sure to listen to me. I want you to know that I will take care of Yssa. Actually, not just Yssa, but the whole family. Thank you for trusting me. I love you with all my heart,” pens Mac for his mother-in-law.
Unconditional love
As a new mom, Diane is sincerely thankful for her mother-in-law’s unconditional love “not just for my husband, but also me and our daughter Pian.” When Diane was pregnant, her Mommy Rosanna would always send her food. From her homecook meals to sweet fruits, “she even sent me a whole box of Korean pear and strawberries,” simply because Diane was craving for them.
After Diane gave birth, her MIL continued to be present for her. From her ge lai food and drinks, to all of Pian’s toys and clothes, as well as for Diane’s homemaking journey. “She (Mommy Rosanna) is a great cook and a baker,” and for Diane, all the little but thoughtful things her MIL does for her mean so much to her. Sharing her recipes, and sending over cooking tools or missing ingredients for dishes Diane is making at the time—are just a few more of the kind gestures that Diane takes note of.
While Diane and her MIL have different religious beliefs, Diane remains immensely grateful. “My MIL is so passionate about praying for Pian and our family because she cares about us.” Hence, in spite of their differences, Diane prioritizes “respecting one another” in building and nurturing their family relationship.
Diane truly admires the kind of values she saw her Mommy Rosanna instill in her husband and his family. “The way that she, together with my father-in-law, raised my husband in their home, we set aside pride and personal differences and prioritize what’s more loving and morally correct,” focusing on what truly matters. “I hope to be an amazing mother-in-law to whoever our children will end up with,” says Diane with full respect and appreciation for her MIL.
Diane’s message for her MIL, “Hi Mommy Rosanna! You are such a big blessing to so many people. Thank you for everything and for accepting me as your own daughter. I pray for many years of happiness, prosperity, and good health for you!”
A place to retreat
Even when Alynna was only in her dating stage with Bully, her MIL was already a very warm and loving person towards her. “She (Mommy Let) would welcome me and my family with open arms to the point that their home became my healing place,” says Alynna. She recalls the times she was depressed, broken, and lost. She needed a place to retreat, “[her house] is where I go, and that’s how we were able to build a relationship.”
Thus, when Alynna and Bully decided to get married, “I was at peace and at ease knowing she will be my mother-in-law.” Alynna adds that her Mommy Let also has a close relationship with her own mom, “which means the world to me! It’s a blessing to have your in-laws and your own parents love and respect each other.” Additionally, “we respect and know our boundaries. Her, being Bully’s mom, and, I, being Bully’s wife.”
“To Mommy Let, I want to say thank you for treating me like your own child. Even before Bully and I started [dating] you had already welcomed me wholeheartedly. Not just me, but my whole family. I appreciate you for showing me the same kind of warmth and affection. Thank you for showering me with love. I will forever be grateful to have you as my mother-in-law. We are blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you, Mommy Let! We love you!” Alynna adds further that her MIL always genuinely cared about her, and her actions never failed to show it.