My mother-in-law, my best friend

By Lilian Gaitho

Mention the word mother-in-law and what comes to mind is terror. Daughters-in-law have learnt to keep at bay this dreaded woman because of her drama. But you will be surprised to learn that not all mothers-in-law are enemies of their daughters-in-law. In fact, some develop lasting friendships.

Here are practical examples: Patricia Mabil’s mother took the chief-advisor role in planning her son’s wedding, like any good mother.

Her role was to advice, counsel and leave the couple to decide. As Patricia explained in an interview, her mother–in-law became more of her friend as she juggled days in the corridors of justice as an advocate with her wedding plans.

Another bride-to-be, Florence Mumbi, has known her best friend and mother-in-law since her teenage years. The latter was by then her compassionate neighbour who decided to adapt, as her own, Mumbi and her younger sister when their mom passed on. While in high school, Mumbi fell pregnant with her now husband’s (who was in school) baby. Unlike her aunties who found her an extra baggage, her boyfriend’s mom took her and the baby in, nursed them and sponsored the young mother to complete her secondary education and later join college. Mumbi, now an established caterer, will be wedding soon, and as she says, her mom-in-law, Grace Kamau has been the greatest gift for a daughter-in-law.

While talking of gift, one cannot help mentioning Winnie Imanyara, whose relationship with her now two and a half year old daughter-in-law Nana Muriithi, leaves a lot of brides envious. She says she connected with Nana the very first day her eldest son introduced them, and since then, she made it her duty to pray that she (Nana) gets married into her family! And maybe to appreciate her saying ‘I do’ to her son, she presented the bride with a brand new car on the wedding day!

Fast forward to two anniversaries since her prayer was answered; the two have become so close; they spend the whole weekend together. Nana confesses to having grown from the blushing bride to an all-round career and family woman under the mentorship of her mom-in-love.

Cynthia Agwa, a bride-to-be had a heartbreaking story; after nights tossing in bed just visualising her long walk down the aisle; the worst bride’s nightmare happened; they had to cancel the wedding date. This was due to circumstances beyond them. Her soon to be mom-in-law served as her pillar of strength; helping her face the curious scores of friends and relatives who had been waiting in anticipation.

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To mark the Season Finale, the Samantha’s Bridal Team put together an event to celebrate mother-daughter relationship for both former brides and soon to be brides. 

While six would-be brides were picked from compelling mother-daughter (in-law) stories submitted via face book, the rest four pairs were nominated from the brides featured through out the years Samantha’s Bridal Show has been on air. The event aimed at nurturing the relationship between mothers and daughters, saw the pairs spend hours in a spa and later share a banquet as they bonded.

KTN and Standard Group sponsored the event.