Following the shocking event that concluded Sons of Anarchy Season 6, it's nice to know at least one of Jax's kids will still have his birth mother around.

According to TV Line, Drea de Matteo has been promoted to series regular for the show's final run of episodes.

She has recurred as Jax's drug-addicted ex (and Abel's real mom) since the series debuted.

Tara (SPOILER ALERT!), of course, was killed by Gemma to end SOA last season, making it likely that Wendy will play a large role in both Abel and Thomas' life going forward.

If she can remain clean and sober, that is.

The character spent a bulk of Season 6 teaming with Tara and then suffering from the effects of her addiction.

Sons of Anarchy Season 7, meanwhile, will kick off in the fall of 2014.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.