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I am writing this in regards to my wonderful mother-in-law, Rosemary. When I was a young girl, my mother Bonnie passed away from brain cancer. She was my everything and I could not imagine my life without her. As years went by, the most important events and milestones in my life seemed so empty without my mother. But once I met my now husband, Brian, and his family, I have never felt alone. He and his family have welcomed me with open arms, especially his mother Rosemary. I could not have asked for a more loving, caring, influential and fun person to be a mother to me and a grandmother to our children. Rosemary and I get along wonderfully; the support she provides is amazing and very much appreciated. She and her husband, Dave, go above and beyond to show their love and most importantly encourage us to make our own decisions and allow us to recognize who we are as individuals and as a family. Rosemary is an example of a strong, hardworking woman. She has been an elementary teacher for more than twenty years and has maintained a sense of pride, professionalism, and passion for her students and her school. Rosemary is absolutely the best mother-in-law in the world and each and every day I am blessed to be her daughter. At first it was difficult for me to recognize someone other than my mother as a role model. However, Rosemary has made it easy and definitely gave me hope to love unconditionally, regardless of a tragic loss. She is an extraordinary grandmother to our children, as well. Thank you for being you and giving me hope, again.

From this issue

/2025%20Readers’%20Choice%20Awards
Our lives wouldn’t be what they are without the stellar local establishments found around every corner of West Michigan, from the newly founded to the well-established and everything in between. Those local staples are what the West Michigan Woman Readers' Choice Awards are all about.
/Best%20Gifts%20You%20Can%20Thrift%20on%20a%20Budget
Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift for the holidays, treating yourself in the new year, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or “just because,” secondhand gifts truly add a budget-friendly personal touch to any occasion.
/Making%20the%20Most%20of%20a%20Snow%20Day:%20Projects,%20Games,%20Activities%20and%20More%20for%20When%20You’re%20Snowed%20In
The notification came through—it’s a snow day! Whether it’s the kids staying home from school or the office making it a remote work day, snow days can be fun. But they can also lead to a bit of boredom and cabin fever, especially if the fam has already been spending a lot of time together. Take a look at some of our fun (and totally doable) ideas for a realistic snow day at home—whether you’ve got the whole day to fill or just a couple hours here and there.
/Strategies%20for%20Preserving%20Sibling%20Harmony%20When%20Caring%20for%20Aging%20Parents
A few years ago, a friend told me how grateful she was for her siblings during their father’s long illness. As they cared for him, they leaned on one another, sharing the load and responsibilities. After he passed away, they made sure their mom felt supported in the months and years that followed.