We had 2 plots left at the family burial site, for my mother and my father. Then my brother was killed in a tragic accident. He was buried there, leaving one plot. A few years later, I bought 2 more plots together in the same section of the cemetery because it was important to ME that my family be together. I never thought it would be only 8 years until we needed to bury my father there.

Within one year my mother started dating. I told her I wasn't ready to hear about it, but she kept telling me anyway. A year after that she was engaged. He's a great guy, he takes good care of her and they're happy. But I was told - not asked - that I would approve of him and give them my blessing. That was before I even met him.

A year later they got married. That was one year ago. Less than 4 years after my father died, my mother changed her name. I'm not stupid, I can do the math. She's not going to be buried next to my father with a different name. Last night she made me listen to her say it. One year of marriage trumps 40 years and 2 children.