Meeting the Folks

Every now and then someone writes in asking me about a story I’ve told on the porch, requesting to hear it again. For instance, the time Danny met his future in-laws continues to be a favorite.

Danny says to tell y’all that day stands out in his memory, too. As funny as it is to us now, it wasn’t so funny at the time. But, then, I suppose I should start at the beginning to make sure we’re all on the same page.

Danny is the Smith’s oldest boy. The story comes from his college years. Danny was a senior when he met and fell hard for that sweet young girl in his political science class. The feeling was mutual. Jill and Danny went from first date to wedding plans in no time flat. The only fly in the ointment was their families. From the first, the lovebirds were worried about whether or not everyone would be able to get along. I’ll cut to the chase: Danny’s family are very conservative southerners. Jill’s familyare very liberal Yankees.

That helps to explain why Danny was so nervous the day he went to meet his prospective in-laws that he had a hard time thinking clearly. And it didn’t help that his future father-in-law wasted no time getting Danny aside.

“Young man,” the older gentleman said. “My wife and I would very much like to know what your intentions are where our daughter is concerned.

Danny says his mind drew a complete blank. He couldn’t seem to form a sentence. Indeed, he had planned on asking for Jill’s hand, just not at that first meeting. Thus, his answer lives in infamy.

“I’m waiting young man,” Jill’s father said, impatiently.”Can you support a family?”

“Sir,” Danny said. “I’m going to do my best to support your daughter, but with all due respect, sir, the rest of you are gonna have to fend for yourselves.”

Hugs,
Shellie