One of the best things (or sometimes worst things) about getting married is the part of gaining a new family into your life. Luckily for me, my experience has trended towards the positive side. My husband’s family has brought two additional siblings: Frazier’s older brother and older sister. Both of them have made me feel welcomed into the family and have been extraordinarily nice to me. However, I will admit that I was pretty excited to gain a brother.
Since a horrible accident took my own brother (he passed away before I was born), I have never experienced a protective older brother or an annoying younger one. Once Frazier and I started dating, the fun of meeting his family began. I don’t exactly remember my first meeting of his older brother, but I do remember being nervous. Frazier had warned me that he and Grant were definitely different from one another and that he was a policeman. So you can imagine what images were going through my head! Yet, everything went smoothly, and we began to get to know one another over the next couple of years.
I think things really began to change though when his long term relationship abruptly ended. Grant called me and Frazier to talk it over, and we offered up the best advice that we could give. I remember thinking, “Should I say this? I’m not really his sister. I hate to comment when I should just mind my own business.” But I decided to be honest and told him my true opinion. I think it shocked him how outspoken I was since he even commented on my opinionated self in his rehearsal dinner speech! Yet, when he thanked me for speaking up and giving some clarity to the situation, I knew that I had made the right choice.
Family is family no matter what, even if they are your own or your spouse’s. Grant is now an owner of a Chick-fil-a in Tennessee and has already created success within his business. Frazier and I are both so proud of his accomplishments, and we were happy to have him come spend a weekend with us last month. Plus, I look forward to meeting/critiquing his future girlfriends. Just kidding! Well, sort of.
Hopefully, everyone has wonderful families on both sides, but I know that’s not the case. However, I encourage you to take a deep breath and try again. Creating a family takes patience, and you never know how much your words of encouragement or support can mean!
PS: Since Grant IS on the market, let me know if you have any single friends or family!
Deborah Edwards, a recent newlywed bride from Little Rock, is an account executive for our sister publication Little Rock Family. She will chronicle the exciting days of settling into married life, buying a house, nesting in said house and all the in between. Read more about her adventures as a wifey on her personal blog, Edwards Newlywed Nest.
