I always went to my parents, O”H. They lived five minutes away, so my husband could easily go from house to house if he needed something. my mom was wonderful, and I will always be makiras hatov for her endless patience in our upsetting their household for a month (yes, a month). My folks really wanted us to be with them, and I needed the extra hands with my kids. I had three kids, 4 years of age or younger (the oldest actually turned four the day his younger sister was born, and one of them was an 18 month old at home, also), and it was very hectic. Then I had two more kids. Lest you think I was merely a taker, we repaid the favor by always getting the house ready for Pesach for them, by running errands for my mom, who didn’t drive, by sharing the cooking, table setting, serving and cleanup for the shabbosim and yomim tovim we were there, and by making sure the kids did not disturb them from sleeping on Shabbos afternoons. I never left an unmade bed or toys scattered around, by them, either. it was a bracha for me that my mom could help take care of me, as well as of my family, and I will never forget that. I enjoy doing the same for my children, but they are not always in need of actually staying by us.
Menu