Today is Mother-in-law Day. Judy Foster shares why her mother-in-law, Myra Foster, is a treasured gift.

“I’ve always enjoyed having a good mother-in-law, but I’m not sure I fully appreciated it until I became one myself,” said Judy. Married to Johnny Foster since 1973, the couple has two grown sons.

Being a good mother-in-law takes special qualities. Judy highlighted traits that made Myra special. For example, Myra never criticized Judy.

“I still cringe over some of the things I’ve said and done that illustrate just how immature I was as a young bride,” Judy said. “Myra may have been wringing her hands on the inside, but on the outside she remained poised, smiled serenely, and made me feel I was every mother-in-law’s dream.”

Myra always showed special kindness to Judy, who recalled how her mother-in-law cared for her when she experienced morning sickness when pregnant with her sons.

“I couldn’t bear to look at food, let alone prepare it. Myra would work all day at the bank, drive to our home, and cook creamed potatoes and Jell-O, the only two items that might actually stay down,” said Judy. “I rarely eat creamed potatoes today, and I’m pretty sure I haven’t been able to face Jell-O since 1983, but they still remind me of her care.”

Also, Myra never gave a gift with strings attached. Judy said, “Whether it has been buying a meal, giving a gift, taking grandchildren on a vacation or investing in their future, it has always been done with affection and without fanfare. If the gift comes to any of us in the form of cash or a check, it comes with only one request — ‘Spend this on yourself.’”

Myra only offered advice on request.

“On the occasions when we have asked for her advice, it has been offered sparingly, privately, and in kind and gentle tones,” Judy said. “If we followed her counsel, it was to our advantage. If we didn’t, there was never even a hint of ‘I told you so,’” she said.

Myra always pointed out the positive. “(Myra) has not only offered genuine praise from her own lips, but has also been careful to mention complimentary, uplifting words someone else said about you,” Judy said.

Being a good mother-in-law might be a challenge, but Myra Foster sets the right example.