“Memoirs of a mother-in-law”

-George R. Sims

Memoir-1
Myself

(Expository writing)
From time immemorial, mothers-in-law have frequently been the target of ridicule and
contempt. I am not a professional author, and during my youth, women were not as highly
educated as they are today. I was raised with a focus on simple skills like plain writing, sewing,
and cooking. I should also mention that I inherited the virtue of plain speaking from my dear
mother.

(Descriptive writing)
My beloved mother was consistently candid in her speech. I often recall hearing her respond to
my dear father's concerns when he questioned her about remarks made in social gatherings.
She would assert, “I can’t help it, Zachariah; I always did speak my mind, and I always will, no
matter whether it offends people or not.” Throughout my life, from my days as a girl to my
years as a young woman, and now in my middle-aged years, I have continued to embrace this
practice of speaking my mind. I carry this tradition forward in these memoirs, fully aware that
my unreserved honesty has occasionally caused offense.

(Narrative writing)
As a woman with four married daughters, three married sons, one unmarried daughter who
resides at home, a mischievous eleven-year-old boy as my youngest, and a husband who
wouldn't say “boh” to a goose, unless the goose is his wife, I've shouldered the burden of both
speaking and carrying out unpleasant tasks over the course of our thirty-five years of marriage.
He has consistently chosen to stay out of the way. Thus, it's almost inevitable that I've
occasionally rubbed people the wrong way with my straightforward and plain-spoken nature.

(Persuasive writing)
Naturally, it's essential to note that I have no intention of uttering a single word against my
husband, for, as a man, he deserves respect and consideration. However, it's fair to say that if
he had fulfilled his responsibilities as a devoted husband and a caring father, I might not have
found myself saddled with the reputation of being perceived as "a Tartar" in certain circles. It's
worth mentioning that I once had the privilege of hearing this rather colorful description
applied to me by a young man who worked at an ironmonger's shop, right within the confines
of my own home and in the presence of my own servant.