He didn’t have to be.

Jul 21, 2010 | All About Denver, All About Erik, All About Family, All About Marriage

blessing8This week’s writing prompt list over at Mama Kat‘s suggested that we write about our wedding song.

The first thing I thought of was not our wedding song, but OUR wedding song.  Makes sense, right?

To clarify, when Archie and I got married, Brandon was three years old.  Our first date he didn’t ask ME out…he asked out Brandon and I both.  We went to Pizza King so Brandon could see the train going around carrying drinks, and play video games.

It impressed my father.

It impressed me.

When it came down to planning the wedding we had the Father/Daughter dance picked.  We had our first dance picked. But there was something missing.  Something important.

WeddingThat little guy had been a part of our beginning.  Our middle, and he had to be a part of this too. We had to make sure of it.

My Dad came up with the perfect song.  The one that meant a lot…fit just right.

He Didn’t Have to Be by Brad Paisley

When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new
It always winds up feeling more like a job interview
My momma used to wonder if she’d ever meet someone
Who wouldn’t find out about me and then turn around and run

I met the man I call my dad when I was five years old
He took my mom out to a movie and for once I got to go
A few months later I remember lying there in bed
I overheard him pop the question and I prayed that she’d say yes

And then all of a sudden
Oh, it seemed so strange to me
How we went from something’s missing
To a family
Lookin’ back all I can say
About all the things he did for me
Is I hope I’m at least half the dad
That he didn’t have to be

The words say it all.  Brandon wasn’t five – but he helped Archie pop the question.  He was at the wedding, holding our hands, and we all danced together as a family at the reception.  Moments after that kiss in the picture Brandon called Archie ‘Dad’ for the first time.  It took a few months of adjustment, but soon he was calling him Dad all the time.

Archie didn’t have to ask out the single Mom.  He didn’t have to ask out her little kid.  But he did.

And we’ll forever be glad that he did.

Sarah

17 Comments

  1. Jen L.

    Aaaaand, I’m bawling. This is a fantastic story!!!!!!! Oh, that picture. Archie sounds like a keeper…but you already know that.

    Feeling a little cheesey for choosing “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness as our wedding song now. 🙂
    .-= Jen L.´s last blog ..Two And A Half =-.

    Reply
  2. Sarah

    LOL. Sorry I made you cry! Yeah, I think he’s a keeper too.

    There’s nothing wrong with cheese at the wedding…our first dance as a couple was “Grow Old With Me 🙂 Perfectly cheesy 😉

    Reply
  3. Sarah

    Thanks Heather 🙂

    Reply
  4. Rachael

    No fair with the tear jerking! I hope I never hear that song in public because that would be embarrassing. I’m so glad you found your amazing guy.
    .-= Rachael´s last blog ..10 things that are just NOT okay =-.

    Reply
  5. Sarah

    LOL! Sorry! Goodness I went and made everyone cry today! I tear up every time I hear it (which isn’t often)…so I’m used to it 😉

    Reply
    • Sarah

      I’m glad I could make your day, FR!!! I do love telling the story 🙂

      Reply
  6. Sonora

    What a beautiful story. I had one child when I married my current husband as well. I remember being flabbergasted by the fact that he wasn’t deterred by me having child. It sounds like you have found a wonderful man and have a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing your story!

    Reply
    • Sarah

      It’s amazing when you realize they aren’t deterred by it, isn’t it?! Thank for visiting, Sonora!!

      Reply
    • Sarah

      Welcome, Jenners!

      Yeah, I kind of did know from the first date. Not many guys would ask out the child too!! Definite indicator of a ‘keeper’ 🙂

      Reply
    • Sarah

      Thanks, Nolie! It’s a story I love to tell.

      Reply
  7. Mama Kat

    Goosebumps!! That picture is perfect! And I love the song. So great that he can just show up and fit so perfectly into your family. 🙂
    .-= Mama Kat´s last blog ..English Teacher In The Ghetto =-.

    Reply
  8. Brandon Cass

    I find that a great story mom. I never about the date being with you, dad, and me.

    Reply

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