02/12/2009 11:00 am

Culture

Liz Smith: Lay Off the Mother-in-Law

Liz Smith

I think the mother-in-law typified by millions of ridiculous jokes and as acted by Doris Roberts in "Everybody Loves Raymond" is a kind of all-American myth.

Michelle Obama’s mother is very special and enabled the president to run for office while she cared for his daughters. She will have a lot to do with making the lives of her young grandchildren and the lives of the president and First Lady seem more "normal." Like millions of "in-laws" and grandmothers all over the country, she is still serving the family.

America should get over treating this dignified woman like a joke. And, yes, I would be thrilled to have my parents living with me — would they were still here to do so.

As for my mothers-in-law, I never had a problem with either of them! I grew up in a large family where three of my grandparents lived with us off and on. I don’t know what we would have done without them!

Click here on this text to read my New York Post column.

4 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

CherylGuadagnoli
Liz, you haven’t met my sister. Believe me, it would be a stitch if it weren’t so sad.
I would believe that Michelle Obama’s Mother is nothing like my sister. More like my mom or mother-in-law who I wish could have been with me at a difficult time in my life.
By CherylGuadagnoli on 02/12/2009 12:15 pm
BethWillis
I think I would enjoy having Michelle Obama’s mother live with me. Peace and grace
By BethWillis on 02/12/2009 12:41 pm
JosieSullivan
Beth- Me Too!
By JosieSullivan on 02/16/2009 10:30 am
MaizieJames
Liz, I liked the thoughtful comments you wrote about Michelle Obama’s mother. You are truly a remarkable woman. I’ve learned much from the many comments you have shared here on wOw. I really admire you. All the very best, Maizie James
By MaizieJames on 02/12/2009 3:46 pm