I have an amazing mother-in-law. While there are many reasons I think she is wonderful, I have been especially blessed by the way she has interacted with me as I face infertility. (Note, these are not necessarily contrasts with other individuals.) Here are some of the ways she has loved me during this season of life.

• She minded her own business. I don’t think she ever made comments hinting about wanting grandchildren or inquiring about when Michael and I were "planning" on having children.
• Since we told her we were facing infertility, she has prayed for us about it.
• She gives real and virtual hugs (and is generally one of the most demonstrably affectionate people I know).
• She hasn’t pretended to understand exactly how I feel.
• She hasn’t offered unsolicited advice.
• She models that it is ok to cry.
• She has been willing to "just listen" when I’m having a hard day.

I’m sure there are many other ways, but these were some of the first to come to mind. These may seem simple, but they really have been encouraging to me. I also noticed that many of the items I mentioned are about what she hasn’t done, perhaps one of you brilliant readers can make some insightful analysis about that.