Enjoying the new bench made from Pawpaw Mike’s Chevrolet tailgate.
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise
What a blessing to have two son-in-laws who not only care about my daughters, Kristin and Kelly, but also care about me. From all the mother-in-law jokes that circulate around, I know I’m a lucky lady.
During the last four months as I’ve experienced a roller coaster of emotions from the death of my husband, Michael, it’s been a great comfort to have my family close, including my son-in-laws, Brian and Ben, willing to help in any way they can. Kristin’s husband, Brian, recently surprised both Kristin and I with a little project he had been working on in her dad’s memory.
Knowing Michael loved all things Chevrolet, one day while walking around our back yard, I noticed Michael had a few tailgates stacked together near the woods. Mentioning to Kristin and Brian I had seen a wooden bench on Pinterest using a Chevy tailgate for the back, I said that would make a great project someday. I forgot about the bench. Brian didn’t.
A few months passed until a couple of weeks ago when Kristin called saying Brian was on his way over to get something. She explained he was making something for me and wanting it to be a surprise, made me promise not to look. Thinking he was going to get something out of the garage, I figured that wouldn’t be too hard, so I promised. Little did I realize what he needed was in the back yard.
After I saw Brian drive in, I waited a little while before looking outside again. Thinking the coast was clear, I was wrong because just as I looked out the door, Brian was picking up one of the tailgates. I pretended I didn’t see, but it was too late because right at that moment Brian turned and saw me standing at the door. I could tell by the look on his face, he knew I knew.
Having spoiled the surprise, later that day when I went to Brian and Kristin’s for an evening meal, Brian took me to the garage to show me the bench he had already made. Explaining this one was for Kristin, he said he was planning to make two more, one for me and one for Kelly for Mother’s Day. Jokingly, he said, “Happy Mother’s Day.” We all laughed.
In the above photo sitting on Kristin’s bench is Brian, my grandson, Carson, and their new puppy, Bailey. Kristin posted this photo on Facebook with the following message …
My husband is an amazing man. He has been my strength these past four months after losing my dad. I couldn’t have made it without him. He surprised me, my mom and my sis with benches made from dad’s old tailgates. I’m in tears writing this. Even though it’s not possible for Dad to be with us, a part of him will always be with us through our benches. Brian couldn’t have made a more priceless gift. Although I don’t go an hour without thinking of Dad and our future without him, having a husband who cares about me and my family means the world.
Since I started this blog about both of my son-in-laws, it wouldn’t be fair not to share what Kelly’s husband, Ben, made as well. If you want to find out what it is, you’ll have to wait until next week.
What treasure has someone made for you in memory of a loved one? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Love it. Can’t wait to get mine.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
