A Different Kind of Mother-in-law
Kathryn Ausland Bailey
By Brada McCormick Bailey
How many people can you enumerate who have significantly impacted your life? Oh, there are the obvious choices. Your parents. Your spouse. Your children, friends, teachers, a coach, pastor, employer. But … your mother-in-law? Why . .. motheris-in-law have served as subjects for jokes, stories and tall tales from time immemorial!
I have a mother-in-law story, too, but of a different tone. Approximately 29 years ago, when I visited Emmetsburg as a guest of Tom Bailey, I was greeted by Kathryn Bailey, the woman who would one day be my mother-in-law. Warm and hospitable, unassuming and accepting, this woman of substance welcomed me into her heart and home. She embodied the fun and flair of an Auntie Mame and the graciousness and hospitality of a Pearl Mesta—all wrapped into one!
Through the years 2207 W. 8th Street saw a serpentine of family and friends dropping by for a cup of Kathryn’s famous egg coffee and a bit of chatter—any time, day or night. Peals of laughter could be heard emanating from Kathryn’s little blue house as she sung her magic with words. For if anyone could recount and recall, had the ease of delivery, loved language, and possessed the ability to see the amusing in the often banal, it was she.
She was a woman of discernment, not judgment, adventuresome, not afraid. Regardless of her experience and wisdom, her allowed her children and grandchildren to be “in charge” of their own turf and of their own lives. Doing it “her way” was unimportant.
She was kind and good, selfless and sincere, humane and caring. She leaves behind a trail of unique memories and recollections for us all. She, also, leaves behind a legacy in the quality of the lives that her sons Mart and Tom are living. For they, too, reflect their mother’s accepting spirit, an unconditional love of others, and a mental inquisitiveness.
A different kind of mother-in-law story? Kathryn Bailey was a different kind of mother-in-law!
At Grandma Bobbie’s Funeral
October 9, 1991