I hate my in-laws because they don’t suck.

I hate my in-laws because I love them like my own family.

I hate my in-laws because they welcomed me with open arms and hearts.

I hate my in-laws because I can’t say I actually hate my in-laws.

My mother-in-law is strong willed and opinionated. She is loving and would give the shirt off her back if she thought a person to be in need. She loves her children unconditionally and loudly. She has stood by her husband through cross country moves, three babies, seven grandchildren, a lifetime of changes and forty years of marriage. I am so much like my mother-in-law that I now understand why my husband finds it so easy to deal with my “quirks”. I admire her for the mother, wife and woman she is.

My eldest sister-in-law is who I call when my children are sick. I ask her marital advice when I feel crazy because I have three kids. I admire her big heart and desire to make the world a better place by caring for others who have one way or another been left behind. I have admiration for the way she speaks her mind while keeping true to what she believes. I admire her nurturing heart and the woman she is.

My middle sister-in-law is wildly creative and a business woman who succeeds with her little boy in her arms. I admire the knack she has for living out her creative love. I have admiration for the friendships she cultivates and keeps. I find her ability to go from mommy to business thinker with such outward ease incredibly amazing. I admire her perseverance and the woman she is.

I’ve learned so much from these women. I’ve learned so much about myself from these women. I’ve learned that family is so much more than what you are born into.

Strong. Beautiful. Caring. Funny. Crazy. Loyal. I could go on, but hate is not one.

Though we may not always see eye to eye, there is always support.

Though we may not have the same skills or interests, there is always encouragement.

Though we may not have the same blood, there is always a bond.

I hate my in-laws because I don’t hate them at all. I love them the last number.