I would like to say congrats to my step-daughter and her husband Tobias (Toby). To me, it seems Leslie has always been a part of my life although she hasn’t as she is David’s youngest daughter.
I met this incredible young lady when she was nine years old, and Leslie accepted me right away. Even though her sister Ashley didn’t want me around as she thought I was tearing their family apart. Which I hadn’t done as David and his ex-wife Sandra had been separated for years before we started to date.
Even though I wouldn’t be able to see Suzane graduate or walk down the aisle or attend her Prom, I was OK with it as I knew I would get to see Leslie do those things. Unfounfortunately this didn’t happen with the Prom as she was living with my mother in law and she took her shopping, and I wasn’t invited.
I had to come to terms with this, and it was OK as it was what Leslie wanted and she was so pretty in the dress she picked out and so happy that I couldn’t be upset with her. I was so proud when the ROTC named her Queen.
Then Leslie and Toby moved to Houston, and I felt like the wind had knocked out of my sails. Although Leslie was so happy, that was all that mattered. I waited and waited for the phone call saying they were coming home, and so did her dad. Only we didn’t get the call her grandmother did.
Once Leslie and Toby moved home I was hoping they would get there own place so we could visit and spend time together or she would stay with us. Once again that didn’t happen. Leslie and Toby moved in with her grandmother and grandfather. Which is fine as they are close enough to us that we see them all the time.
Then I thought David and I would be able to help her and Toby plan there Wedding when they were ready once again that didn’t happen. As Toby signed up for the Service as a way to pay Leslie tuition to medical school as she wants to become a Vet. So they needed to get married before Toby left for boot camp.
When low and behold Leslie and Toby go over to his grandparents and get married, in such a hurry that she didn’t even call David or I. Which once again made me feel like the wind knocked out of my sails. Which is OK as Leslie is doing the things she needs to make sure her and Toby have a life they deserve and can take care of each other. One day they can get remarried and have the “WEDDING” we all wanted them to have, and if that doesn’t happen, it is OK as well as long as they are happy.
In the meantime, I would like to say how proud I am of you, Leslie. Toby, you are a beautiful son in law. I am so Proud of you, and I would like to say “Thank you” for serving our country for us. I will be Praying for you every day, and we will see you in three months, and I know the time will fly. I know Leslie will miss you like crazy, but I Promise you we will take care of her for you.
I know God will keep you safe and I would like to let you know I couldn’t have picked a better husband for Leslie if I had chosen him out myself. So David, Charlie and I would like to say “Thank you” for becoming a part of our family. I want to let you know you are an incredible man.
I would like to say “CONGRATULATIONS” to my daughter and Toby. May you have a long and happy Marriage. No, matter where the Service may take you Please know David, Charlie and I are here for you and Leslie and we always will be.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
