Rooted in Love and Legacy: The Unexpected Gift of Katie

What happens when someone walks into your life and helps rebuild the very foundation grief once tore apart?Nearly 30 years ago, Katie (Hines) Thomas entered our lives not to replace what had been lost—but to hold space for all of it. In this deeply personal Mother’s Day episode, we sit down with our stepmom, Katie, and reflect on the three decades of love, loss, and legacy that have shaped our big, beautiful “family bush.”From the sudden loss of her in-laws and the death of her first child to the heartbreak of divorce, navigating a radical mastectomy, and raising four children on her own, Katie’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. When she met our dad shortly after our mom's passing, neither of them were looking for love—but what they found was something transformative. Together, they blended their adult families with intentional love, grace, and a shared commitment to showing up for each other, no matter what.This episode explores:The unexpected love story that brought Katie and our dad togetherThe complexities and gifts of blending families as adultsKatie’s remarkable career in education and counselingHer personal losses and the legacy she’s building through it allWhat it means to be mothered in different seasons of lifeHow aging with love, humor, and purpose is its own form of legacyWhether you're navigating your own blended family, grieving the loss of a parent, or reflecting on the relationships that shaped you—this story is a reminder that family is about more than blood. It’s about who stays, who loves, and who grows with us.Recorded just before Mother's Day, this conversation honors not only one extraordinary woman—but the resilience and tenderness that shape the families we choose and create.We would love to hear from you—please send us some "Fan Mail"!Support the showHearing the stories of others helps us connect more deeply to our own—because legacy is built in how we live, every single day.💬 Subscribe, Review & ShareFollow the show, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with someone who may need it. 🔗 Connect with UsHave a story or expertise to share? We’d love to hear from you. 🌐 www.thepigpodcast.com 📬 thepigpodcast.com/contact📱 Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn💖 Support the Show If The P-I-G has meant something to you, consider supporting or sponsoring the podcast: thepigpodcast.com/sponsorship |  buzzsprout.com/2449606/support