Question: How did you meet your in-laws?

How did I meet my in-laws?

You know we have been married 43 years now. Memory to those days is slipping some. I will tell you some of my first memories of my in-laws, primarily of my mother-in-law and my father-in-law.

They were the best people. I loved them as if they were my own parents. My mother-in-law had the unique ability to make each person feel like they were their favorite. My father-in-law loved to listen to our stories, loved the grandkids and loved politics. They were both hard working, loving people and I miss them more than anyone can imagine.

I met my husband, Gil, while we both worked at Western Union in Palo Alto California. We started dating when our night manager suggested we go out. We loved each others company and spent most of our free time together. He was going to school and working nights. I worked as a "relief operator" filling in when someone had a day off. My days and hours varied.

One day that we both had off, we went to Gil's house. I was scared, as I had never been taken to meet parents before. I usually already knew them or was just never taken to other guys homes. This was a first for me.

Pop, which is what we all called Gil's dad, was outside working in his yard. He was retired and always worked in his yard when the weather permitted. It showed, too. Gil's mom, Mom as I learned to call her, was crocheting and watching her novella - a Spanish soap opera. We talked together for a few minutes. Then Gil and I went to his room and listened to records, you know the old 33 1/3 lp versions.

That was it. That was my introduction into his family.

We came back often. I was always welcomed with open arms and a good dinner. She was the best cook.

Shortly after we went there the first time, I went with him to his house after a funeral for his uncle. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was at their house. Most of his aunts and uncles lived in the San Diego area. They were there, as were his cousins. All his brothers and sisters, their spouses and their kids were all there. He has 7 siblings. Wow! That was overwhelming! But in a way it was a good introduction. I did not have time to get nervous. I more or less just sat back and listened and watched the family. I knew I loved his family at that moment and would eventually be a part of it.

Taken in Santa Clara California sometime around August 1951 or January 1952.

The picture above is a picture of my husbands mom and dad and oldest brother, Roy. Gil is the little boy by his mom.