We went to Chicago over Labor Day weekend to visit my father-in-law again. The day we arrived, he had been transferred from rehab to the hospital. He's now back at rehab and my mother-in-law says he's improving and will be able to come home. With assistance, they think he can manage to stay at home instead of having to go to a nursing home. Thank goodness for long term care insurance.

My father-in-law is a dear sweet man who has become very hard of hearing. He's living with diabetes and heart disease. I never hear him complain. My beloved husband and I have been to visit him three times since we moved to Tucson, and we'll go again as much as possible. When I look at my father-in-law, I can see my husband in thirty years -- his appearance, demeanor, and character -- and I like the man I see. I've been very fortunate to have in-laws who like and accept me, who are kind to me, and who welcomed me into their family.

We ran up to have brunch with Stephy on Labor Day, and she has already told you about that in her own blog. I'm very very glad that we were able to visit her. Usually the family is all-consuming, but this trip was for five days and we felt okay about taking one morning off.