To all the men out there being father-in-laws to women without fathers… love them like they are your own. Make up for all the years you didn’t know them by trying hard now. Pretend you should have been there for all those years you never could have been. She needs you. Even if she doesn’t know it.
She needs you to just be there on her wedding day. You don’t have to do anything. Just be. There are so many more years you will need to step in.
There will be the moment her team loses, and she will need a consolation beer.
There will be a time that she can’t fix the thing she broke and it needs to be fixed before your son comes home because she wants it that way.
There will be a time when the dog needs to be picked up from daycare.
There will be the time when she’s pregnant, scared, and you are the closest person. She will need to come to the ER to make sure she is OK. That the baby is OK.
There will be a brief juncture in your daughter-in-law’s life where everything will revolve around a baby. She may need you to grab a glass of water while she’s nursing your grandbaby. She needs you to not skip a beat.
There will be chimneys that crumble and paint that chips and every part of her world will seem like it is crumbling. And she needs you to be her rock.
Because your son and she… they’re just kids, still. Just like you once were.
Thank you to my father-in-law for being the Dad I need… especially when I am so far from home. For all the football Sundays (Mondays and Thursdays, too), digging out my car, building play sets, taking care of the pup, helping us get our dream home, and for extra long hugs when I need them. To all the father-in-laws to daughters without fathers, thank you for taking on the role.
What a beautiful post. I suddenly miss my father in law who passed away a couple of months ago.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted…How To Throw The Best EVER Halloween Themed Birthday Party
I’m s sorry for your loss <3 I miss my Dad everyday, 17 years later. So much love to you.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father
You lucked out with your father in law! He sounds like a truly remarkable man!
He truly is! My mother in law, too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father
What a nice tribute. It is always wonderful when someone informally ‘adopts’ someone and helps raise them as their own.
Scott recently posted…Do You Remember Your History Lessons?
SO true!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father
A Father-in-Law can fill a void like no one else. This is a fitting tribute to all of those men!
Michele recently posted…Bloggers Opp-Jord Watch $120 Gift Cert GA Sign up Ends 9/30 (10/5-10/26)
They really can. I never thought I’d find a father’s love again.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father
What a sweet and special post! It’s nice to let a step parent know who much we appreciate him!
Lisa Nolan recently posted…The Long Road (To a decent night’s sleep after having a baby!) By Lauren Stevens
I love letting my FIL how much we love and appreciate him.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father
What an awesome post. This was so touching to me!
Amber NElson recently posted…Proud Latina, Orgullosa de Ser Nelson!
I hope you’ve been blessed with amazing inlaws <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father
YOu’re blessed to have such a wonderful one in your life and the lives of your girls!
Liz Mays recently posted…Apple Pie Cider
I totally agree <3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father
This is so heartwarming. I lost my father early in life and I longed to have someone I could look up to. Thankfully, my father in law was a good man and he was always there when me and the kids needed a little bit of help.
Annemarie LeBlanc recently posted…5 Vital Travel Tips for Parents – Family Trips Made Easy
I love hearing this. My father passed too soon, and knowing I have a FIL who loves me and my kids means the world to me.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father
What a beautiful post! I’m really lucky to have an amazing father-in-law. I’m an expat and living so far from my parents is difficult, but my inlaws make it a little bit easier.
Ave recently posted…Can’t-Miss Tips for Traveling in South America
Aw- that’s got to be hard for you, but I am glad you have a similar situation of a supportive family from your inlaws!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…An Open Letter to Father-in-Laws to Daughters with no Father