DEAR ABBY: I was widowed a little over a year ago when my darling wife died of cancer. Because my wife is now deceased, are her siblings technically still my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law? They are wonderful people, and I still consider them to be part of my family. But are they? -- WONDERING IN PHOENIX
DEAR WONDERING: As long as your wife's sisters and brothers have a place in your heart, they will remain a part of your family. And if you choose to refer to them as in-laws, that's your privilege. I only hope that when you finally meet another special someone that they will welcome her into the family circle.