Is it normal to still be friends with your in-laws after your sibling dies?

[Anonymous]

I lost my sister to cancer 6 and half years ago, and her husband and I have become good friends over those years. For one, I can't thank him enough for how much and how well he loved my sister especially in her final years. For another, we both are nerds, trekkies, outdoorsy people, so we get one another. He and my sister were married for 9 years (she was sick for 5 of those years). I'm also really close to her first husband - he came into our lives when I was 8, she was 15, they married when they were 18 and were together 15 years - so he's been in my life (and is the father of my oldest nieces) for more than half of my life. There is definitely NO romantic interest in either... but I'm curious if you think it's normal to still be such good friends with my in-laws? Is there a point where one should let go of those familial ties after a sibling has passed away? I ask because I've had people tell me I'm weird, but I don't think it's weird at all, and find it pretty natural, honestly.

[Anonymous]

Totally normal. My brother in law was married to one of my sisters for 20+ years. After she passed away he remained close till he got remarried. It's kind of funny. My other sisters get annoyed because they don't feel his new wife shares him enough. And I always tell them "that's his wife"! "You have to accept his loyalty to his spouse is what made him such a good husband to our sister". I always tell them "He's happy and that's what matters".

[TroyDT2]

Actually it is normal if the people were close or at least friendly beforehand, especially if the couple had children. Grandma and grandpa and cousins and blood aunts and uncles are still the kids' family.

[NamerOfStars]

I should think so; if nothing else, you both knew and loved your sibling. Why WOULDN'T you stick together?

[Fireguy17]

yes, you were probably close with the family, the relationship didn't end badly, other than the part that she passed.
So you have a common bond with each other.
It helps keep her memory alive.

[Scarecrow13]

I think it may be a good thing as it keeps the connection with her. The in laws may be all you have left of her.