The next afternoon, we joined my MIL for lunch. The table overflowed with delicious food, and conversations flowed. 'The community fair is this weekend,' MIL informed us, her enthusiasm infectious. 'We should go,' Sarah suggested, eyeing me for agreement. 'Sounds fun!' I nodded. We touched on family stories, old memories mingling with plans for the future. It was a pleasant lunch, and everyone left with smiling faces and full bellies.