Couple eloped and got married without family—then bride received a text from mom-in-law that she wasn't expecting at all
From elopement to a grand wedding, every couple might prefer something different for their big day. In such circumstances, it could mean the world to receive support and understanding from their families. A bride and groom were worried about reactions from loved ones after they decided to get married abroad during the man's deployment, without their families. However, the woman, Kathleen Pawelski, got a reaction from her new mother-in-law that she had not expected at all, per a post on TikTok, where she goes by @kat.pwsk.
Kathleen randomly came across a text she received from her mother-in-law after she got married to her husband, Ethan. The woman was not expecting to receive such a supportive message from her mother-in-law after they told her about the marriage. The mom, Joey, introduced herself and shared how happy she was at the news. "I wanted to reach out and let you know that I am so blessed to have you as a daughter-in-law and Emilio as a grandson. You and Emilio will be so loved by our family and if you ever need anything, please let us know." Joey expressed that she was really excited to meet Kathleen and her son, Emilio, in person. She "couldn't wait to start spoiling Emilio."
"I am beyond happy that you and Ethan found love in each other. I know you both will have such an amazing life. Love you," Joey continued. "I am so grateful to have such an amazing mother-in-law on my side," Kathleen remarked through the caption. The woman hadn't talked to her mother-in-law on her own before and only knew her through a few phone calls, per Newsweek. "When I first saw the message, I was so relieved. That was the first time she herself reached out to me and I was so happy she was not mad." She added, "Since then, we have been really close. She is like a second mom to me and we share everything."
Kathleen and Ethan first met when Ethan was stationed in Germany. The woman, a native German, was living there with her son at that time. Soon after the meeting, they decided that the other person was it for them and got married in October 2022. They got married through Proxy Montana after Ethan had proposed to Kathleen. The Proxy Montana is a process followed in Montana that allows active duty armed forces and Montana residents to get married without being present in the state. One person has to be in the military or be a Montana resident and they can get their marriage certificate without being present for the wedding. Two proxy people stand in the couple's place and sign documents for them.
People applauded the mother-in-law for her response in the comments section of the post. @sharonann1975 wrote, "My mother-in-law was like this when we split. She told him that she did not raise him to treat women like that. She paid for the divorce and helped furnish my flat. I remember her kindness even 30 years later." Kathleen shared that she was also glad that her in-laws had warmly welcomed her son after they heard that he had started calling Ethan "dad." @diana23 commented, "I slid over expecting the worst and was punched in the face with love." @auntie.love expressed, "My elderly mother-in-law passed a couple of years ago. I miss her voice mails so much."
You can follow Kathleen Pawelski (@kat.pwsk) on TikTok for more lifestyle content.