My Mother-In-Law

Today is Pat's birthday.

Pat is my Rob's mother.

Pat is my mother-in-law.

Someone asked me not too long ago if I still feel like 

Pat is my mother-in-law since Rob has died.

Which I think is an interesting question.

No one ever asks me if my children still feel like 

my children since their dad died.

Although someone has asked me if I still feel like

Crystol (my stepdaughter) is my daughter since her dad died.

So I get it.

For some folks, when the bonds of matrimony end in death,

the relationships with the in-laws or stepchildren do cease.

But not for me.

I will always feel like Crystol is my daughter...

...because she is.

My feelings for her did not die with her dad.

If anything, they increased.

And I will always feel like Pat is my mother-in-law..

...because she is.

My feelings for her did not die with her son.

And, even if I am blessed enough to remarry

(and I do hope to someday),

Pat will always be my "first" mother-in-law.

So - 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

to my MOTHER-IN-LAW!

I hope you have a great day!

Photos are from our Sept. 26-28, 2014 visit to Ohio to 

spend time with Rob's brother (Bryan), my sister-in-law (Jenny), 

my niece and nephew (Cassidy and Carter),

my mother-in-law (Pat),

and my daughter and her husband (Crystol and Alan).

A few out takes of the photo session.  I LOVE Pat's smile in this one!

Like Grandma Pat...

(putting bunny ears on Luke)

...like grandson Wesley! :) 

(putting bunny ears on Alan)