Speaking for myself, my relationship with my future in-laws never really came into play when I considered marriage. I've had plenty of girlfriends whose parents I either didn't connect with or were nondescript enough in the scheme of things that I figured I could roll with the punches if things got rough. But then I met Holly Holmes. And then, subsequently, met her parents. And now, I must say, if I knew then what I know now about what in-laws can be and how much they can mean to a soul, my whole opinion would have been entirely different.

I love my parents more than I can express in words, so when they moved out of state a few years ago, after having always been within an hour's drive of me, I felt like I was losing something precious. But Ken and Barbara were there for me. And, unlike my parents, I feel that in Ken and Barbara, I also have friends who are as adventurous and passionate about my life as I am. They're there for every exciting event in my life, and for that I'll always be eternally grateful.

Ken in particular (since this is his testimonial, after all - you want a specialized one, Barbara, you need to join Tribe!) is someone I can be in the presence of no matter what the circumstances and always know I'm going to laugh at least once, even in the most solemn occasion. Ken brings laughter and love to everything he does. His dedication to his family is larger than life, and he enjoys the hell out of every minute of it. I strive to be half the man he is.

This guy made me! No, really!!! Well, it's 1/2 his fault, but I won't get into that! Eh-hem...

It's unfair for me to even attempt to write what he means to me. I just stare at my keyboard. Okay...

I KNOW I am extremely fortunate to have been born into his life and to have been raised by him. Although we struggled financially growing up, he always provided a fun/loving environment. We always had childish fun from laundry fights with mom and I on one side of the living room and Spencer and dad behind the couch on the other side, to putting sticky pasta shells over our noses at dinner, which of course led to the food fight. We found shells around the dining room for a few days.

We'd go on vacations even when we had no money. The family motto was, "Even a poor tailor is entitled to a little happiness." He always had some story of a prank he pulled at the office on his supervisor and taught me that when someone passes out on the street, the first thing I'm supposed to do is check their wallet for money.

He taught me synchronized swimming in Grandma and Grandpa's pool every summer and helped me learn to deal with loss as we watched both of them pass away recently...OOOH! I'm going to cry now...as I write this the song, "Take Me Home Country Road" by John Denver is on! That was a big one in our family back then...

There is NOTHING about this man that I would EVER change. He is an honest, loving, hardworking individual who has given so much of himself to others that I feel he often times needs to be reminded of himself, though I know he gives himself so much because THAT makes him happy.

I love him so much! The dude abides!

(Now I get to see if I wrote more than my brother. If I did, I know dad will love me best!)

Well, I met Ken almost 35 years ago, but since that was when I was born, I don't remember much.

Since then, however, I have developed a great admiration for this man. He has busted his balls his entire adult life for his family. When the world is falling apart, he sways and goes with the flow, and winds up still standing.

My dad is quite the storyteller; he's always got some hilarious story that relates to something current that will make you fall on your ass laughing.

Not only is he a great dad, but he's also an awesome grandpa - just ask my kids.

I can't wait for this guy to retire, so we can spend much more time fishing, B.S.ing, and laughing. I can't wait to start work with him on that old Lincoln this summer.

His big heart is true, he has a great sense of humor, and has integrity that runs deep. He has always fought for the little guy, making sure the fat cats and more advantaged know their limitations and that they're not exactly on top of things.

There's no way I could ask for a better dad. Can't improve on perfection, they always say...