While most of America commemorated our country’s independence this past weekend, my family celebrated togetherness.

My husband, daughter and I rolled out of Brookhaven early Saturday morning, headed for a spot in the Louisiana boonies. Our eyes were barely open, but not closed enough that I didn’t spot the open sign at the Donut Palace. Those soft, warm circles of fried dough, oozing with sweet, sticky glaze were exactly what I needed for a wake-up call.

The sugar rush alone kept me wide awake at least through Natchez.

We were headed to a little town called Ashland on the northeast tip of Natchitoches Parish.

And when I say “little town,” I’m not kidding. On my few visits there, all I’ve seen are a volunteer fire department, a Baptist church and a convenience store.

The purpose of our visit Saturday was a family reunion. I would be spending the day with my husband’s ex-wife’s family as they gathered for their annual get-together at the Baptist church where her father is pastor.

We were invited last year, but couldn’t make the trip. So months ago, Brett’s ex-father-in-law issued an invitation to us to join them this year. He wasn’t taking no as an answer.

Not that we would have declined.

See, this is the interesting part, his ex-wife’s family are really sweet people. Not only do they still treat Brett like part of the family, they’ve accepted my daughter and me into their fold as well.

He was related to them by marriage for 20 years. That just didn’t go away with signed divorce papers.

Brett and Debbie share four wonderful children, my awesome stepchildren. Their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all still consider Brett part of their family, and now Jess and me, too.

Brett’s former mother-in-law, Jan, told me soon after our wedding that Jess and I were now part of their family and I believed her whole-heartedly.

Going to the reunion this weekend really brought that home.

As soon as they saw me I was hugged by the ex-wife’s two sisters, who are also friends of mine on Facebook, as is her mom and dad.

That may sound a little strange, but I’m also friends —on Facebook and in real life — with the ex and her husband.

For their kids’ sake, I’m sad that my husband’s marriage ended after 20 years. But for my sake, I’m blessed that God put this wonderful man and his children in mine and Jessica’s life.

He and his ex have worked hard to keep their focus on their children, raising them in Christian homes with respect for others.

It all starts with the examples they set.

It takes a village to raise a child, and my husband’s ex-wife’s family has a pretty good one. I’m happy to be part of it.

Donna Campbell is the managing editor at The Daily Leader. Write to her at donna.campbell@dailyleader.com.