21St B'day - Danbury,CT

Hi M., Let me start by saying that I am very sorry for your loss. I made my mother a scrapbook for Christmas the year my Grandmother passed. I filled it with photos and other items from my Grandmother's life. It brought my mother to tears when I gave it to her, but in the following days (and even now, 5 yrs later)she looked through the book and laughed and shared stories with us about my Grandmother that no one ever knew. It's a nice way for my kids to get to know my Grandmother also (they are 10 and 4). Since you said you like to scrapbook, maybe you could do something like that. Also, ask your SIL's friends to help out by writing little stories they remember about your MIL while they were growing up and add them to the book. I hope my suggestion helps and if you decide to do it, you get to know your MIL a little better, not only as a mom, but as a fellow woman. Good luck.
Jennifer

You said you are into scrapbooking. Why not make a scrapbook with pictures of her and her mother. This will be a great reminder of the wonderful times she had.

Dear M.,

I am so sorry for your loss. A scrapbook is a great idea, however I would plan a nice outing for her. I know you said she is a tom boy but how about a Broadway show, everyone loves a trip to the theater. It will if anything create a great memory for you and her together. I have seen Mary Poppins, The Lion King twice(my favorite), Wicked, Jersey Boys, and am planning Mama Mia for Christmas. Even the Christmas Show at Radio City is wonderful to take your mind off things. Have a great holiday!!

Similar to the scrapbook idea, I had a co-worker who I was also very close with. Her friends threwu her and her husband an anniversary party. Everyone who was invited, they sent a letter asking them to write a remembrance, funny story, put a photo on it, anything. They enclosed a piece of stationery and asked us to use it and send it back. The friends made a bound book with this, as well as put photos from their party, and gave it to my co-worker a week or 2 later all put together. She brought it to work and had tears in her eyes each time she showed it to another co-worker. Or, if u are handy with the computer, you can make an CD with the photos and music in the background.
As far as getting a gift for your SIL, if she is into sports, maybe a gift certificate for a more adventurouse outing that u think she may like to try, like rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), hot air ballooning, reserved time on the tennis court, to a ski lodge or for slope tix.
Enjoy the celebration!