Letter from the Editor May is a wonderful month. The days get longer, the weather finally starts behaving itself, gardens wake up, and the smell of barbecues returns to neighbourhood backyards. But for many people, the most important day on the calendar in May is Mother’s Day. Over the years, I’ve written about my mom in this space a few times. I think she’s pretty wonderful, and if I’m
year, and having her here always feels like family, because it is. The only real challenge when she visits is making sure I have enough projects around the house. Pauline is one of those people who simply cannot sit still. To her, ‘quiet time’ is best used productively. If there’s a closet that needs organizing, a room that needs painting, or a small project that’s been sitting on my to-do list for six months, she’s in her happy place. I know that might sound strange to some people. Most visitors arrive expecting to relax while the host does the work. Pauline shows up ready to work while I try to convince her that sitting down with a cup of tea is allowed. But to her, relaxing isn’t relaxing; it’s stressful. Doing something useful is what makes her happy. Over the years, I’ve heard plenty of people complain about their mothers-in-law, but whenever that conversation comes up, I always say the same thing: mine is a step above. Now, that doesn’t mean she’s perfect. Like all of us, she has her quirks. Some of them even drive me a little bananas from time to time. But honestly, that’s just part of loving people who are different from us. So this May, when you’re celebrating the mom of your children or your own mother, take a moment to recognize another important person who helped shape your family. Your mother-in-law. Because sometimes, if you’re really lucky, you win that lottery too.
being honest, I see a lot of myself in her, both the good parts and the parts that probably explain a few of my quirks. She deserves every bit of recognition she gets this time of year. But this year, I’d like to shine the spotlight on another important mom in my life: my mother-in-law. Now I know what some of you might be thinking. Writing about your mother-in-law in a public magazine seems like a risky editorial choice. Entire comedy routines, sitcoms, and family stories have been built around complicated mother-in-law relationships. Fortunately for me, I can confidently say that I completely won the mother-in-law lottery. I was welcomed into Staci’s family almost immediately, and for over a quarter of a century now, I’ve been lucky enough to call Pauline my mother-in-law. She’s generous, caring, and has always treated me like far more than just ‘the guy who married her daughter’. Even after Staci’s passing, that connection never changed. Pauline still comes down to visit for holidays and throughout the
NOTICE to Members / Plot Holders of The Saint Thomas Cemetery Company
The Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the Saint Thomas Cemetery Company will be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at the St. Thomas Legion, 24 John Street. All Members / Plot Holders of the Saint Thomas Cemetery Company are entitled to attend and to vote on matters put before the AGM. Please visit www.stthomascemetery.com for details.
Open Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm 215 Main Street Port Stanley 519-782-7467 www.studiostyle.ca
Page 2 Port Stanley Villager • May 2026
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