Lark maintains a relationship with Justin's parents even after his death. Have you had a relationship that persisted even after the death of a loved one who first brought you together? How has it changed after loss?

Lark maintains a relationship with Justin's parents even after his death; fearing their reaction to a new significant other becomes in some ways a barrier to moving on. Have you had a relationship with in-laws or friends that persisted even after the death of a loved one who first brought you together? How has it changed after loss?

I have attempted to stay in touch with family members (the partners/spouses) of good friends who have passed away. Usually it has been short lived. When younger, the surviving partner/spouse moved on and formed a new life. As one ages, sometimes the surviving partner or spouse develops health problems - and if that is dementia, it is not really possible. Sometimes a sibling of that surviving friend eventually notifies us of memorial services and celebrations of life.

I maintained a relationship with my Dad’s significant other until she died. She was a special person to me because of how important to her she was to my Dad. She was “family” and we helped each other through our grief and enjoyed in sharing our daily lives going forward.
Also, my Dad and I stayed in touch with my Dad’s second wife’s elderly sisters after her death - they were fascinating ladies. Even after my Dad passed away, I maintained this relationship until I lost them, too.

Again, I personally have no lost someone (yet) however I can see how this might happen. I think it's beautiful.

I felt Lark's huge attachment to Justin's parents was understandable. It's just another sign that families are important to her. When she meets Lorenzo's family she pretty much fell in love with them. Seven years, however, this close to Justin's parents could be a bit much. I think that is a tie that needed loosening a bit so that Lark could move on.

My daughter’s boyfriend died in a car accident at age 23. Not only did she continue being friends with his parents, she and her triplet sister organized an annual get-together to keep the family and all friends together for 16 years after the accident.

I personally have not experienced that kind of relationship, but I found it believable, largely because Justin was an only child, and he & Lark were together for so many years. Lark understandably would not want to abandon his parents after Justin's death because they were like another set of parents to her and were close ot her own parents. They mourned together. Seven years is a long time to grieve, especially for a woman as young as Lark, but she lost a relationship that was unusually long for a women her age, and Justin was the only boy she ever dated or loved. It was lovely to see that they were present for her wedding to Dante and wanted her to move on with her life & be happy. Hopefully, she will continue to incorporate them in her new life given that Lark is the closest thing to another child they will ever have.