Saw some news about the new storm brewing named Florence.* It made me think of my ex-mother-in-law - only because that's her name, though she still prefers I call her "mom."* I hadn't talked with her in quite a while, and I was wondering how she was doing.

A few minutes later, the phone rings and it's mom calling to see how I'm doing.

I really lucked out in the mother-in-law department - past and present.* This woman has been a mother to me from the beginning, and our relationship has lasted almost 30 years.

I'm hoping I'll be well enough to attend a concert on Saturday that her son-in-law is giving to support a local community center.* He has the most amazing voice, and his concert will be a tribute to Luther Vandross!* * I've only heard him sing gospel songs, but his voice always reminded me of Luther.

I'd love to hear Luther's songs again, I'd love to hear Terrance's voice again, and I'd love to see the family again.

There are other people in my life that I feel a strong connection with. Seems like whenever I need them, they appear.

I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Do any of you have any stories of similar connection - i.e., when you felt a need for something, it suddenly appeared?

sometimes i wonder how i made it this far in life- i guess people helped

Thank God for family and friends! I've been dealing with this medical thing for over four years now, but the beginning of this year was a particularly bad time for me. Just when it was getting too heavy to bear, an old best friend showed up at my house one day for a visit. Then, for the next two months, he came by almost every day. His company and support were invaluable, and now we're best friends again. It couldn't have happened at a better time!

My mom, too, has a weird way of calling whenever I'm feeling really down in the dumps, or when I'm thinking of her.

Idealist - I'm glad you were able to connect with your friend again.

Yeah, it seems none of us truly go it alone. The people we need come into our lives when we need them most - and the people we love have a way of knowing we're in need.

I managed to get myself together and make it to the show. I've talked with my ex-relatives a lot over the phone, but I hadn't seen any of them for a long time. It was SO GOOD to see them again.

Terrance was fantastic and sounded so much like Luther. The place was packed, and he really put on a show - even his backup singers were spectacular. The lady next to me didn't know anything about him. She just wandered in off the street after seeing the announcement, but it was obvious she was very impressed.

I told her his wife Davette (my ex-sister-in-law) had a voice as beautiful as his. A few minutes later he called Davette up on stage for a duet. It's always such a treat to hear them sing to each other. It's not just because they sing so well together, it's because you can see the love they have for each other. I've known her since she was a little girl. It's so good to know she found herself a good man.

I mentioned to the woman that they are also both ministers and have their own church. When the show was over, I noticed the woman talking with my ex-mother-in-law and asking for the address of their church.

Good for you, Kathy! Sounds like you had a really good time. I think it's neat that you still feel so close to your ex-in-laws. I've got three ex-BIL's and one ex-SIL, but I don't have any contact with any of them. Seems a bit strange, considering that I once thought of them as close family.

What's the biggest difference between in-laws and outlaws? Outlaws are usually wanted.