I distinctly remember the day my son-in-law came into my life. I don’t exactly remember how the day came about but I do remember the moment my daughter came through the front door along with her then, boyfriend. I was going through one of the darkest times of my life and the world just kept moving forward around me. It’s funny how that happens. When we are in crisis we expect the world to stop, but it doesn’t, nor should it.
They came into the room where I was sitting. I looked at my daughter and then at the man that stood behind her like a giant. I remember thinking… Oh. My. Goodness. This guy was big. He stood at least 6’4” tall, he was broad and strong, he had no hair, and he was covered with tattoos! Again I thought, Oh. My. Goodness. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.
My daughter introduced him to me and that’s when he spoke. As he spoke I began to melt. His speech was gentle and kind and his eyes were warm and comforting. I welcomed him into my home. I looked at my daughter and then at him and I knew this was going to be good.
He seemed so shy in the beginning. I soon discovered he was one of those people that had to get to know you before he would open up. I understood that. It really did take quite a long time to get to know him. Over time I watched and I waited. He became engaged to my daughter and she bubbled over with happiness.
Like a good friendship his relationship with all of us evolved slowly. Honestly I worried a little in the beginning but as time went on the bonds between him and each of our family members began to take root. He first became a brother to my son. As much as my son wanted to hate him for no other reason than he was dating his sister, well it just didn’t happen. They became fast friends…they became brothers.
My husband, who wasn’t yet my husband, was asked to perform their wedding ceremony. He got licensed for the day, performed the ceremony, danced the father daughter dance with my daughter and in my eyes on that day our family melded together into a new and beautiful family unit. That day was one of the best days of my life.
My husband and I are now grandparents to their two beautiful children. I have watched my son-in-law through these past years. He has treated my daughter with love and affection and yes, he sometimes tames the firecracker that is within her. He is a strong loving father to their two children. He is a good brother to my son. And best of all he is more of a son than a son-in-law to my husband and me.
I…we could not have asked for a better son-in-law. I am thankful and I love him like he is my own.
Happy Birthday to you…Son
