It’s always a happy occasion when two families blend together to make one.
Natalie Crabtree of Muncie, Indiana, had been raising her son Rylan on her own since he was just two years old. When he turned seven, she realized more than ever just how much the boy had missed out on having a father figure in his life. Luckily, Natalie met and fell in love with Joe, who turned out to be everything she and her son needed in their lives.
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She wrote:
At the beginning of our relationship, I explained to Joe that Rylan needs a male who will invest time in him, do things one on one with him, and teach him and guide him. Joe has done just that.
He helps Rylan with his homework, he makes every school event when I can’t, and they go on bike rides together. He taught Rylan how to golf this past summer, and now it’s their thing. I picked Ry up from school the other day and he said, ‘Mom, can I go have a daddy/son day with Joey soon? I want to go golfing. It is my favorite thing to do!’ Then he went on tell me that there are NO MOMS ALLOWED because it will be a boys day.
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“To know that he wants quality time with Joe just melts my heart,” Natalie said. “That is what he has always wanted. It is what WE have always wanted. We are so lucky to have Joe. Not only do we have him, but he also has two children, so our family has expanded quite a bit.”
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When Joe proposed, both he and Natalie wanted to make the ceremony special for their children, who were gaining not just a step-parent, but siblings, too. So Natalie wrote special vows for Joe’s children, and Joe penned a vow for Rylan.
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Joe and I got married on February 17, 2018. We each chose to write/say vows to our stepchildren. The moment when Joe brought Rylan up in front of our guests on that special day, is a moment I will never forget. He told Rylan:
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‘I promise to always be there for you when you need someone. Whether it be a coach, a dad, a friend. Anything you need, you can always come to me, and I’ll be your shoulder. I love you, bub.’
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As tears ran down his cheeks, Rylan immediately jumped into Joe’s arms for a huge hug. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room after Joe gave Rylan this emotional pledge – to be his father and friend, not just for today, but forever.
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“I couldn’t ask for anyone greater to be by our side through life’s journey. Joe and my stepchildren are our greatest gifts.†Joe is a wonderful example of a strong man stepping up to be the father every kid needs, and deserves! Congratulations to the Crabtree family.
Watch the emotional vow below, and be sure to share to spread the love.
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