WARNING: Long, sappy, rambling, personal post ahead.
Today is my father-in-law’s birthday. I had originally thought I would post about this topic on a day associated with my husband, Tim. His birthday, Valentines Day, our anniversary, or some other day where I could blog about Tim, and about how wonderful it is that we found each other, that he shared not only his last name with me, but made me a part of his family. But, it seems I blogged about something else on all of those days. So, since this has as much to do with my FIL as my husband, I’m going to blab on about it today.
This post stems from the song “My Last Name” by Dierks Bentley.
[audio:http://www.hambones.org/blogs/stacy/mp3/My Last Name.mp3] Click (on the left, twice) to play the song and hear it in its entirety.
The lyrics that really get me all choked up are:
Daddy always told me, far back as I recall, Son, you’re part of something. You represent us all. So, keep it how you got it. As solid as it came. It’s my last name.
Passed down from generations, too far back to trace. I can see all my relations, when I look into my face. I’ll never make it famous, but I’ll never bring it shame – it’s my last name.
Darling if you’re wondering, why I’ve got you here tonight. I want to be your husband; I want you to be my wife. I ain’t got much to give you, but what I’ve got means everything – it’s my last name”
This song gets me every time, because it reminds me so much of my husband and his father. When Tim proposed to me (he got down on both knees, by the way), he said he didn’t have the world to give me, but he would if he could. He said he could just promise to love and cherish me all of the days of our lives. And he does. And I’ve come to realize what other wonderful gift he gave me – his last name and being accepted into his family as a daughter and sister.
You see, I had my own wonderful family before I ever met Tim and his family. I had a mom I loved (who is no longer with us), a Daddy I adore and two pretty awesome sisters. But when I married Tim, I got a whole extra family as part of the package deal. 🙂 And the head of that family is my father-in-law, Mitchell. Mitchell is one of my favorite men on the planet. He is right up there with my dad and my husband. I love and respect them all, immensely. Mitchell taught his three sons by example as much as the words, how to be a good man, how to be honorable, how to be respectful of yourself and others, how to love your family, love and honor God and be the man that God expects you to be. Mitchell has walked this walk all of his life, and his sons are the same way. They are honorable, hard-working, kind, very decent kind of men. Tim had the added benefit, as Mitchell did, of serving in the military, where he learned even more about honor, discipline and respect. I love the man my husband is, and I have his parents to thank for that. And I do, as often as I can. They did a tremendous job raising their sons, and I think my in-laws are so proud of all of their sons. I know I love them both to pieces (Tim’s mom and dad) and I am proud to call Tim’s brothers my very own brothers. It’s really great to have such wonderful family on both sides! 😀
So, today, Happy Birthday to my father-in-law Mitchell. Thank you for being the man and father you are.
That is such a wonderful post Stacy! You are lucky indeed!
Aww, nice………..and good picture too!
What a great tribute. Dom is proud of his family name also. Our regret is that his son – the only one to pass on the name – has done all he can to tarnish the family name.
sweet. You are very lucky
That is SO sweet, Stacy! Glad you have a great FIL. I had one too, but sadly he passed away quite a few yrs. ago. Enjoy yours!
Great photo!!
Gosh I nearly cried myself just reading this!
Happy Birthday to your father-in-law :))
Aww, this made me cry! I love posts that do that. 😉 What a sweet tribute, rightfully, to a wonderful man. You know, on my stamping messageboard I read, there’s a thread about how much people dread seeing their spouse’s family on holidays — that’s so sad to me. So it’s nice to come here and read about how much you love Tim’s family! 🙂
What a loving tribute. I could just feel the love, and rightly so. That picture is wonderful, too…you can see the love! You’re very lucky to have two wonderful families.
I like the lyrics to that song, too. On a different note, they also explain exactly why I keep my maiden name as my middle name. I’d never just drop all the love & history of my maiden name. 🙂
peek at my other blog to see fafa
What a beautiful tribute to both your families. It is truly a blessing to have wonderful in-laws!
That is a precious tribute to your father-in-law. Not everyone is blessed with wonderful family on BOTH sides–you are blessed indeed! Happy birthday to your fil!
What lovely sentiments! It is so great for you that you have such great family on both sides and to have wonderful relationships with them. When I got married, I didn’t want to take my husband’s last name. It was mostly just because I really liked my last name and wanted to hold onto my heritage. I did take it anyway to please him. I guess that if I really felt that I was really accepted and loved like you are, that I could say that I have no regrets…
Wow, Stacy… wow. *wiping teary cheeks* I think this is the best post you’ve ever written and I know I have been reading your blog for at least a year. How special your father-in-law is, and how great it is to have someone like that to look up to and to love. I hope he has a wonderful birthday!
That is so cool! I have a wonderful FIL also! It’s such a blessing!
Awwww, Stacy! You have me in tears! That is just so sweet. I can totally relate to this post! It certainly is a blessing to have *so much* in life. :o)
This song is awesome! Puts it all into perspective!
Happy Birthday, Mitchell!
This is precious! Be sure he reads it. I don’t have a father-in-law (yet!) but I am so grateful for the example my dad has been to me as to what a husband and father should be. I pray that I will have a husband like that. I’ve never actually thought specifically about the need for a great father-in-law, but it makes sense!
Oh Stacy. I think THEY are the ones who are lucky. What a sweet tribute to your FIL. I’m sure they love and appreciate you right back.
And I agree with Claire. Make sure he reads this. Feelings are powerful enough, but they mean a little extra something when you READ how someone feels.
I’m crying! What a wonderful post. It is a blessing when you have such wonderful in-laws. Mine are great as well. This will bless your FIL and the rest of the family as well.
What a wonderful, touching post! How blessed you all are!
Okay, the warning at the beginning of the post should read *TISSUE ALERT*. I am a sappy person as it is, and being pregnant does not help. I started blubbering from the start. This is a wonderful tribute to your FIL and your dear Tim! Beautifully written Stacy.
What a sweet tribute! It’s wonderful to read you have such a great relationship with your in laws!
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