His Last Name

The first time his father saw it. There on that piece of white paper. He was proud and knew he had given his son the best he could. There on that piece of paper was a word made of 6 tiny letters, but was a looking glass of what was to come.  It held a future much bigger than either could have hoped for. His father passed on the legacy of life in his last name to a son honored to take it and uphold all of its integrity because this son knows the challenges and triumphs in his last name.

His last name bears a meaning of truth through time and generations. It swaddles the relationships of love, hope, and happiness. It holds the honor and courage to be the man his father was, aspire to live life to the fullest leaving no regrets, always seek the truth, and to continue the circle of life - full of giving, caring, and sharing.  In his last name he finds the endless pursuit of finding life’s meaning, and to understand what you cannot bear - you don’t have to do it alone. He wants his father to know, he will always be a part of him no matter the time or distance that passes.

Along his journey of life, his son met a woman whom he fell in love with; his decision to marry was not taken lightly for he knew he would be giving her - his last name. There is not one day she does not cherish his last name for is means more to her than her birth name.  It has meaning far greater than what appears on the surface or on that piece of paper – it is a part of her and a part of an unbreakable bond between this father and son.  

Now many years later, this man and woman began a new circle of life in sharing his last name with a son. His son has grown to love his last name, and shares it with anyone who asks - freely openly, proudly. One day his son will come to find his road is divided, and together they will know it is his time to make his way through life’s journey and on the step of goodbye, he hugs his father and says you will always be a part of me. No matter the distance or time that passes.

This father shares in the joy of a new baby girl. Years will pass and the day will come that he will walk his daughter down the aisle and give her away to the man she chooses to be her life partner. She will whisper in her daddy’s ear – I will always be your little girl, and no matter that on this day my last name will change – you will always be a part of me. No matter the distance or time that passes.

All because he decided to share - his last name.

The following is a song performed by country singer, Dierks Bentley, which inspired this piece:

http://youtu.be/D8xugcmblkg