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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

/Your%20Child%20Has%20Come%20Out—Now%20What?%20Showing%20Support%20and%20Offering%20Unconditional%20Love
It's critical to offer understanding, support and unconditional love to your child if they choose to come out to you. That experience for Ollie Robison (xe/he/they), Healthcare Coordinator, Grand Rapids Pride Center, was a long and complex one, coming out multiple times in different ways to the same people.
/Building%20Your%20Spring%20and%20Summer%20Capsule%20Wardrobe
Winter is behind us and we're ready to ditch the bulky sweaters, heavy boots and puffy coats for lighter, brighter and fresher styles. Rather than mindlessly buying up a hoard of trendy items, Kathryn Snow of Style Me Ada—an expert personal stylist and shopper—walks us through building a capsule wardrobe that will keep you feeling confident and stylish all spring and summer.
/Healing%20From%20Childhood%20Trauma:%20You%20Can%20Rewrite%20Your%20Story
Your childhood may be long past, but its influence is reflected in your present—it shapes how you see the world and how you interact with others. Maybe you've noticed patterns you can't quite shake, like anxiety that won't settle. Or maybe you struggle with depth in relationships or find yourself overwhelmed because of your tendency to overachieve (or overextend).
/Michigan%20Outdoors—The%20Long%20and%20Short%20of%20It!
Living in West Michigan, we have an abundance of places to go to soak up the great outdoors. In every season, travelers head to their favorite hot spots in the lakeshore quadfecta of Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland and Saugatuck—or stick around Grand Rapids for all it has to offer. While we never tire of spotlighting the standbys, what else is there? Let's take a tour!