A Slew of In-Laws — Stories of Ross

From their first meetings, all the Frederick, Mendell, Forrest, and Snodgrass in-laws adored Ross. They thought he was a keeper and were happy for me that I had found (at last) a great love.

Connie's children, Hallie, Emily and Spencer came of age with a bonus uncle. My brother Doug's children, Jonathan and Kalyn were born having an Uncle Ross. And in what seemed like the blink of an eye the next generation, Jesse, Ian and Alyssa, elevated us to the rank of "great". Isn't that redundant?

Three young children, two in bike helmets and one baby

Family gathered on a pontoon boat on the river

We loved to visit them in Pennsylvania, Vermont or Maine and got to most of the big celebrations my caterer sister made so special: birthdays, graduations, weddings, and suddenly it was retirement parties and a Connie and Dean's golden anniversary.

Ross and Dean Mendell at our surprise wedding — Dean Mendell, a real soulmate, is pictured here at our surprise wedding. Assuring Ross that, "everything's gonna be alright"?

Three friends smiling together in the warm Baja sunlight