The Pink Panel - May 2025
Moderated By Judith Lawrenson
Dear Pink Panel,
My husband has a large extended family, and they have been so wonderful
to me as a “marry-in.” I would really like to do something to say thank you to them.
It is about 24 people total. Does the panel have any ideas?
Signed, Patty R.
Answers from the Pink Panel
Riley:
This is a large group of people, so if I could, I would host something everyone could enjoy. But If I knew everyone in the group was able to use a computer, I would create a private chat group and message everyone who I wanted to thank. Maybe this private chat group could continue on an ongoing basis and be a form of communication for all of the family.
Judith Lawrenson, Moderator:
What a great question this month. It was fascinating to me how differently the group responded. I think this shows the diversity of the women in not only age, but also in lifestyle.
As for me, I love a party so I think creating a personal holiday or celebration would be just the thing. You can create a “Happy Family Day”, or “I Love My Family Day” and have everyone come to enjoy. This could become a family tradition, celebrated year after year, maybe even on the same day such as the third Saturday in March. It might also be fun to surprise everyone with something like maybe a day at the park, a barbeque, or a beach day. Tell everyone it will be just their family and yours and SURPRISE— everyone comes! I would avoid doing it near Christmas or Thanksgiving since there might be a family gathering on those holidays anyway.
One more idea, though it may be too many people, depending on your budget, but how about a fun outing? Maybe take a boat excursion like on the Salty Dog or rent a trolley to go sightseeing. There are so many ways to thank nice people!
Renee:
Food is my love language, so my first response in showing love and appreciation is with a meal, or at the very least, a homemade treat. I love to bake, and it’s always fun to find out the favorite treat or dessert of a friend or family member and then surprise them with the sweet. If they have a dietary restriction, it is always fun for me to look up recipes and make something special.
That being said, I would plan a meal and invite the entire family. With the arrival of summer just around the corner, a cookout would be a wonderful time to get together and let them know how much they mean to you. Keep the menu simple, allowing others to contribute if they desire. Be prepared for several to volunteer to help and ask what they can bring; if that is the case, let them help. Tell them what you are planning (i.e., hamburgers and hot dogs, a special dessert) and allow them to bring whatever they want to contribute. It doesn't take away from your thankfulness for them, and it allows them to receive and give at the same time, which is important for some people.
I would also probably make something small and easily packaged for every family member to take home a goodie bag. That’s just how I roll.
Carolyn:
As a military family, we move frequently, so keeping in touch with friends is a specialty of mine. My advice to Patty R. is my "go to" tool—cards, cards, and more cards! Two months ago, I mentioned that I received six cards from old friends on the anniversary of my dad's death. This meant the world to me. I find out and keep a record of birthdays, special days, and simply "kindness" days and make sure I remember these days by mailing a card. There is nothing like getting a card in the mail, especially on an important day. It is also great to get a card from a friend on a nothing day, which can be even more special. Cards are a wonderful way to be a part of someone’s special day and everyday life.
The Final Word, Elizabeth Millen:
My thought is to randomly assign each of the 24 family members a special day of the year (away from their birthday). Then proclaim the date you choose for each of them to be their day. For instance, say I chose September 27 as the Official Patty R. Day. I would write a proclamation, claiming September 27 as Patty R. Day, stating all the wonderful things I love about you. Then, I would send an email to the entire family urging them to celebrate Patty R. Day. This is a fun and heartfelt way to give each person their own spotlight, and let everyone know what you love about them, all their wonderful attributes, and even include some of your best memories with them. Be sure to keep a record of each person’s assigned day so you can repeat the process year after year. How fun would it be to have your very own official day when you are reminded of how special you are and how much you’re loved? For extra creativity, have an official proclamation printed and framed and send it to them in recognition of their day!
If you have a question for The Pink Panel, email Judith Lawrenson at at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Pink Panel will do their best to give thought-provoking guidance. Remember, panel members’ ages range from 13 to 80, so you are bound to get a wide variety of advice.
Meet the Panel--------------------------------------------------
- Renee: accounts manager, youth group leader, grandmother. Renee recently started a women’s Bible study on the Book of Genesis, and there was so much
difference of opinion and argument she nearly quit! She stuck with it, made some modifications, and the group not only survived, but it is growing!
- Carolyn: mother of five, homeschooler, pharmacist, military spouse
- Judith Lawrenson: Pink Panel Moderator, freelance writer, volunteer, and educator
- Riley: middle school student, active in sports, studious. Riley won First Place Overall in the
Science Fair at her school last month!
- Elizabeth: publisher of Pink Magazine, business owner, mom, writer, observer of life and human behavior
Would you like advice from The Pink Panel? Email Judith your question at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..