Hi Mama,
Where do I even begin? Most little girls grow up dreaming of marrying a prince and having a big, fairytale wedding. I was never one of those girls. I didn’t dream of a castle, a crown, or an elaborate celebration. All I ever wished for was a loyal, loving, hardworking man who would love me unconditionally—and, if I was being honest, a kind and loving mother-in-law. A mother-in-law I could laugh with, talk to, text, watch movies with. Someone who would welcome me with open arms and make me feel like family.
Then I met your son, James—though to me, he will always be Jimmy.
The more I got to know him, the more I thought to myself, this man must be a prince. He was so perfect for me that surely he had been raised by a queen. His manners, his chivalry, his softness, his gentle way of approaching life—everything about him felt like a true Godsend. It took time for him to open up and share his family and his past with me. We weren’t even Facebook friends for two years! (I still laugh about that.)
He wanted me to learn about you all, not just hear stories or read about you. At the time, it felt frustrating, but looking back, it was the most meaningful way to fall in love with your family. I appreciate him for that more than he’ll ever know. As our relationship grew, the time finally came for our first trip together—Minnesota, to meet the ENTIRE family. Terrified and excited all at once, I said yes.
We arrived at the Potter house in September of 2011, and my nerves were overwhelming. I was meeting the mother of the man I had fallen deeply in love with. Would you be nice? Would you like me? What if you didn’t? What if I didn’t like you?
The moment we rounded the corner at the top of the stairs, there you were—this beautiful woman, with the best sense of style, standing there with your arms wide open. As I slowly approached, you wrapped me in the most genuine, heartfelt hug I had ever felt. It wasn’t a polite “nice to meet you” hug. It was a true welcome to the family hug, and I will never forget how safe and loved that moment made me feel. That entire weekend, we talked, laughed, shared stories, talked about clothes, hair, and all the girly things—simply getting to know each other.
I remember thinking, can someone really be this kind? Surely it couldn’t last. Maybe she was just being nice. But I was wrong. You never changed. From day one, you were exactly who you appeared to be—loving, caring, genuine, and beautiful inside and out. How did I get so lucky?
In 2015, your son asked me to be his wife. My first thought was an instant YES. My second thought? I hit the jackpot with my mother-in-law. We bonded over so much—clothes, hair, face creams, makeup, the Hallmark Channel, and of course, your son. Every visit made me excited for the next one. Living far away wasn’t easy, but we made it work with FaceTime calls, texts, and long phone conversations until we could be together again.
When the countdown began for your visits, the excitement was real. People would ask, “You’re excited that your soon-to-be mother-in-law is staying with you for two weeks?” Absolutely! When your son was working nights and it was just you and me, I knew it meant shopping trips, Hallmark movies, pizza, and wine nights. Those moments were priceless.
In 2016, you officially became my mother-in-law, and my dream truly came true. You were stunning at our wedding, wearing that beautiful light blue dress. Your face was glowing with pride, and it meant everything to me that you were genuinely happy as we said our vows. We even acted like teenage girls, jumping into the back of my friend’s truck as she drove up the hill, earning “the look” from your son. That was us—always laughing, always being silly. Marrying your son was the best day of my life, and having you beside us with your full blessing was an honor I will always cherish.
In the years that followed, we shared so many unforgettable trips—Minnesota, Monterey, Tennessee, Disneyland. Each one holds a special place in my heart. Pouting on the ground at Disneyland when Pirates of the Caribbean was closed. Moonshine tasting in Tennessee and getting that look from your son. Drinking wine on the dock in Minnesota while watching the sun set. Waking up early at your house to watch Good Morning America and drink coffee together. Memories I wish I could relive again and again, but ones that will stay with me forever.
Mama, you left us on October 7, 2019, after fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. Cancer may have broken my heart, but it will never steal our memories. Being with you in your final days was an absolute honor. I am so grateful you trusted me to help care for you. I’m thankful I could make you laugh one more time by joking about your “pool boy,” eat tacos together once more, watch our final Hallmark movie—Rescuing Madison—and say “I love you” again. All those “one more times”… I would give anything for just one more. I held your hand until your final breath, and I will hold your hand in my heart forever.
We picked out your favorite outfit for you to wear—and yes, we put your house slippers on your feet. You loved those, and we all shared a little laugh, knowing that’s exactly what you would have wanted. I chose your favorite wig too—not the Jennifer Aniston one you hated, but the shorter one you grew to love. And remember how you told Chrissy and me that you hated the nail polish color they chose? I made sure it was changed to that pale pink under your sink. It looked so soft and natural on you.
When we saw you at the funeral home, you looked beautiful, but your hair was touching your cheek—the one thing you absolutely hated. I remembered you cutting your own hair so it wouldn’t touch your face, so I fixed it for you. I wiped off a little extra blush—they used way too much. I fixed your shirt, held your hand, and stood there as your son and I said goodbye and told you how much we loved you.
Some days still feel unreal. I ordered a Hallmark sweatshirt recently and instinctively reached for my phone to send you a picture. I knew you’d want one too. Then reality hit, and I broke down. We’re doing our best to be strong for each other, but the emptiness you left behind is something we never could have prepared for. We miss you more than words can ever express.
Time won’t heal this pain. It will only teach us how to live alongside it.
Mama, thank you for being exactly who you were. Thank you for raising the love of my life and for loving me as your own. I was blessed beyond words to be your daughter-in-law, to have your son as my husband, and to be part of your beautiful family. I promise I will always take care of your son, always love him, and always protect him—forever.
Please rest easy knowing that.
With all my love,
Forever your daughter-in-law,
Sheree
