A Mother’s Anxiety

She wrung her hands anxiously. It was stuffy in the house. The house was decorated for Easter. Twisting her wedding band as if it were a fidget toy, she broke the silence. “Do you think my daughter has made a mistake in marrying him?”

The woman’s sister sat in the living room, looking uncomfortable. “Well, it’s too late. They’re married. It’s also too early to determine anything about it having been a mistake. They’ll figure it all out. They are adults. Young, yes, but adults. They’ve made their bed together… now let them lay in their bed together and figure it all out! All you can do is love them both and love them as a couple. Love them publicly, for extended family to see. Everything will work out just fine. Just leave them be.”

“It’s just… she’s my first daughter.”

“I know.”

“How are you so calm about it?”

“Because there is nothing for us to do about any of it.” She paused and took a sip of cappuccino. “Well, I take that back…” She sniffed the sweet cappuccino and smiled. “We can pray.”

“Oh… trust me, I pray for them.”

“Good. Let’s keep it all positive when we talk about them. I’ll come here every morning and we can start our day by praying for your daughter and your new son-in-law. Mmkay? How’s that sound?”

“Sounds good.”

“Coffee in the mornings, with my sister and lots of prayer.”

“Yes, it does.”

They heard a knock at the door. It was the daughter. She walked in, holding her new husband’s hand. Sheepishly, she asked her mom, “Hey, mom? Do you have any extra sugar? I’m trying to make some cookies but I realized I ran out of sugar.”

“Oh, yes, of course, help yourself. You know where it is at in the kitchen.”

“Thanks, mom!”

“You’re welcome, that’s what family is for.”

Her daughter’s husband had an awkward expression on his face. He tried to change it. “Good morning, happy almost Easter!”

His mother-in-law smiled. “Happy Easter! Are you two coming to church service tomorrow?”

He answered. “We’re gonna be out of town tomorrow, so no, we’re not coming to church tomorrow.”

“Oh, well. Enjoy.” She smiled uncomfortably. She tried to fake not being disappointed.

“We will.” The daughter replied, taking the sugar, like it was a baby in her arms.

Her mother was about to ask where they were going to be, but before she could open her mouth, she caught a glimpse of her older sister’s broad eyes that signaled for her to just be quiet.

The young newly wedded couple walked out the front of the house.

The older sister smiled at her younger sister. “They seem happy. They’re making cookies together.”

“I guess he just seems off. And I don’t want him turning my daughter into a heathen or something worse - an alcoholic?”

“Hold it!” She stomped her foot. “Remember what we agreed on?”

“Prayers. Positive.”

“Take a deep breather.”

“Ok. I’m gonna pray now.” She swallowed, trying to relax her shoulders. “Dear God, please help me support my daughter and her marriage. I want her to be okay and not damaged. Show me how to help them but not over help them. I would like to get to know my new son-in-law so that I can understand him more. I request for your support through this season. Thank you for my sister who helps me stay sane.”

“That’s great. I’ll be back tomorrow.” She finished her cappuccino and threw the cup in the trash.

They both said amen and then they turned on some classical music. The day was bright and beautiful.