He’s single father. A widower, to be exact. But that’s not the story here.

He waits tables for a living. And on his off-days, he works at another restaurant.

Sometimes, he works with his brother’s power-washing business for extra cash. He does handyman work, and installs home sound systems. He is a busy man.

He does it for his kids.

The money goes out the window as fast as it comes. And he’s away a lot.

His children are used to fending for themselves. They’re used to preparing their own suppers, watching television alone, and tucking themselves in.

But not since she started coming around.

Let me back up.

Nine months ago, he met her. She’s a receptionist at a doctor’s office. She was at his restaurant for her coworker’s birthday party.

He saw her and couldn’t stop looking at her.

By the end of the night, his friends in the kitchen knew he was smitten. They teased him. “Go talk to her,” they said, shoving him.

But, confidence doesn’t exactly grow on trees, and our Lone Ranger has been out of the saddle since high school.

He didn’t know how to approach her. He was—according to his coworkers—a big, fat, hairy chicken. So, without his permission, one of the waitresses spoke for him.

“See that guy over there?” the waitress whispered into the receptionist’s ear. “He’s the best guy you’ll ever meet. He likes you, but he’s too scaredy-cat to talk to you.”

Ouch, Kemosabe.

But that’s how it started.

A little bout her: she was married once. The doctor told her she couldn’t have kids. It broke her heart, all she’s ever wanted were children.

She likes long walks on the beach, Mexican food, Trisha Yearwood albums, chocolate ice cream, and any book that wasn’t written by Danielle Steel.

They went on a first date. It lasted for sixteen hours. But they darkened no bedrooms, rustled no sheets. In fact they didn’t even kiss.

Instead, they sat on his balcony, talking. They watched the sunrise together. When his kids awoke, they ate breakfast. Thank God for simple pleasures.

Since then, she makes him keep nights and weekends free. The four of them do everything together. They go hiking, fishing, ice-skating. They do movies, concerts, board games.

Sometimes, they have sleepovers on the living-room floor. Sleeping bags and all. The eat popcorn and watch black-and-white movies.

But nothing will ever top this weekend.

This Friday is going to be a doozie. They will buy a tree from a nearby farm. They will decorate it together.

There will be a giant Tupperware crate of ornaments, lights, and garland. Tucked in the bottom of this crate is a tiny clamshell box made of felt.

She will find the box. She will reach for the box. She will open the box.

She will see an unassuming diamond ring.

He and his children will have already taken a knee—they’ve been rehearsing this—and say:

“Whenever we’re with you, we’re a real family.”

He will ask her to be his.

“Hey, Sean,” he wrote me. “I’m so nervous, man. Just wondering if you’d ask your friends to put out good vibes today?”

You don’t need any help, brother.

But I’ll tell everyone I know

78 comments

  1. Peggy C - December 12, 2022 6:18 am

    Good vibes definitely coming your way!

    Reply
    • Mary D - December 16, 2022 9:31 pm

      Wonderful! Keep us updated plz.
      I’m invested, as usual, Mr Dietrich!
      All the very best💙

      Reply
  2. Arabella Williams - December 12, 2022 7:12 am

    I don’t have just a birth day, December is my birth month and along the way I collect presents & reading this tear inducing story, Sean you have gifted me on this day – (9) days away!

    Reply
  3. Arabella Williams - December 12, 2022 7:15 am

    I don’t just celebrate my birth day but my birth month and along the way I collect presents, I count this tear inducing story as a gift, (9) days going forward! Thank you, Sean.

    Reply
  4. Kathleen Jun Magyar - December 12, 2022 8:34 am

    Please tell him everyone is cheering.

    Reply
  5. Susan - December 12, 2022 8:38 am

    Man, you had me at the “tiny clamshell box made of felt” ~ my tears started. God bless this precious new family.

    Reply
  6. Summer Carrington - December 12, 2022 10:56 am

    I just finished doing my makeup for work , Sean. Like mascara and everything. Then, I read this . That is the sweetest story, I’m overjoyed for all of them . Now, off to remove mascara tears . 🙂

    Reply
    • Melody Wright - December 12, 2022 3:02 pm

      Yes!! I’m with you on this one. My heart is still so full and I can’t stop smiling. But I’m older, retired and not wearing mascara. So I don’t mind crying. Any minute now.❤️

      Reply
  7. Ed (Bear) - December 12, 2022 11:07 am

    Good vibes, definitely! Going and coming!

    Reply
  8. Chrisanne L Banks - December 12, 2022 11:12 am

    Sending ‘good vibes’ (and prayers!) his way!

    Reply
  9. Roxanne Taylor - December 12, 2022 11:21 am

    Sending prayers for this special guy and his kids, that his proposal will be as exciting and wonderful as he is. Isn’t God’s timing always perfect! Congratulations to this precious family!

    Reply
  10. Gwen - December 12, 2022 11:29 am

    🙏😭😊❤️

    Reply
  11. Julie - December 12, 2022 11:39 am

    ❤️

    Reply
  12. Diana - December 12, 2022 11:47 am

    I think he’ll do just fine on his own, but sending good vibes his way. Lovely story.❤️

    Reply
  13. Kim H. - December 12, 2022 11:59 am

    Don’t be afraid, Hard Working Devoted Dad!! She’ll say YES!! Just take a deep breath, and ask her!! Sending you TONS of good vibes from Illinois!!💞

    Reply
  14. Marilyn - December 12, 2022 12:40 pm

    Your stories are so uplifting! Thank you for being positive when so much of what we read and hear is just the opposite. I’m cheering for this man and his children that the lady says “yes”, and they move forward as family. Blessings to all.

    Reply
  15. Anne Arthur - December 12, 2022 12:41 pm

    We are sending the good vibes and prayers for a beautiful life together.

    Reply
  16. Celia - December 12, 2022 12:59 pm

    You’ve got this! And you’ve got so many of us, some like me with tears dripping down our cheeks, sending you good thoughts for courage, and sincere hopes for a fantastic future!

    Reply
  17. Penny Price - December 12, 2022 1:05 pm

    Wow. You touched me with this one!

    Reply
  18. David - December 12, 2022 1:18 pm

    Awesome story Sean, God is good all the time. I hope they will have a great life together with God right up in the middle of them all.

    Reply
  19. mccutchen52 - December 12, 2022 1:18 pm

    He and the kids are swinging for the fence and I see a home run in their future.

    Reply
  20. cordell - December 12, 2022 1:26 pm

    She will surely say yes.

    Reply
  21. Frank Wirtz - December 12, 2022 1:26 pm

    We are gonna need a follow up.

    Reply
  22. Becky kaufman - December 12, 2022 1:29 pm

    Sending many good vibes and wishes!

    Reply
  23. Patricia Gibson - December 12, 2022 1:52 pm

    Beautiful!!

    Reply
  24. Darlene Leadingham - December 12, 2022 2:01 pm

    Oh we need a follow-up on this one. Does she say yes? We need to know.

    Reply
  25. sjhl7 - December 12, 2022 2:05 pm

    Beautiful! Best of wishes to this new family. May God bless them and keep them always!

    Reply
  26. Jayne - December 12, 2022 2:37 pm

    Best wishes, good vibrations, and prayers for them!

    Reply
  27. DJMaz - December 12, 2022 2:44 pm

    Great Christmas present–a whole new loving family=

    Reply
  28. David - December 12, 2022 2:45 pm

    Dude, you’ve definitely got this! I hope you have many long and happy years together!

    Reply
  29. David - December 12, 2022 2:47 pm

    Dude, you’ve definitely got this! I hope you have many long and happy years together!!

    Reply
  30. Helen De Prima - December 12, 2022 2:50 pm

    You got this!

    Reply
  31. Gigi - December 12, 2022 3:05 pm

    What a wonderful story! Praying that she say’s “YES!” Please let us know how it turns out Sean.

    Reply
  32. Peggy M. Windham - December 12, 2022 3:08 pm

    Sending good vibes to this father, his children and new bride! Beautiful story!💜🎄

    Reply
  33. Jane Sparacio - December 12, 2022 3:09 pm

    There is a big lump in my throat… Again.

    Reply
  34. Susan - December 12, 2022 3:13 pm

    Sending many good vibes their way♥️♥️♥️

    Reply
  35. dmgtomlin - December 12, 2022 3:13 pm

    💞💖❣️

    Reply
  36. Stacey Wallace - December 12, 2022 3:41 pm

    Sean, thanks so much for making my husband’s and my day. Prayer said. Please tell your friend not to worry; he’ll hit it out of the ballpark. Love to you, Jamie, and Marigold.

    Reply
  37. Lin - December 12, 2022 3:54 pm

    Love this column today, Wednesday will be our 53rd anniversary. Marriage isn’t always easy and maybe not for everyone, but this sounds like a match made in heaven! I’ll be thinking of them all on Friday.

    Reply
    • Linda Everett - December 12, 2022 10:06 pm

      Happy, happy Anniversary to you snd your hubby!

      Reply
  38. Debbie g - December 12, 2022 3:54 pm

    To Sean’s friend
    I’d like to be the first to wish you and wife to be.
    Happy first anniversary next year !!!! Prayers and happiness for you both
    Love you Sean and Jamie
    And to us all

    Reply
  39. oldnole1958 - December 12, 2022 4:10 pm

    Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Of course she will say yes. Tell us about her acceptanace and the wedding. Tell him to forget his nervosness. No need. She has already shown her love.

    Reply
  40. Carol - December 12, 2022 4:26 pm

    Love all the way around! Thank You! May Happiness Abide With Everyone This Holiday Season!

    Reply
  41. Pat - December 12, 2022 4:33 pm

    SWEET!!!

    Reply
  42. LynnB - December 12, 2022 4:43 pm

    Please! If you get a picture from them, can you post it on your Facebook account? You can’t leave us hanging!

    Reply
  43. Tom Wallin - December 12, 2022 4:43 pm

    Good luck brother. If she doesn’t say “YES”, she is not the ONE. Thinking of you and hoping along with you.

    Reply
  44. Hopeless romantic - December 12, 2022 4:55 pm

    100%🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕Please let us know when she says yes!

    Reply
  45. Dianne - December 12, 2022 5:00 pm

    Beautiful
    I thought I had unsubscribed to your posts but this showed up. So glad I got to read it.

    Reply
  46. Penny HC - December 12, 2022 5:42 pm

    Tell your friend Yay! Good luck, happy joyous day.

    Reply
  47. Mickey - December 12, 2022 5:48 pm

    Good vibes and please tell us if she says Yes! Sweet, happy story!

    Reply
  48. lmackillop - December 12, 2022 5:52 pm

    Praying for him!

    Reply
  49. david - December 12, 2022 6:01 pm

    I third the calls to let us know what happens — don’t you DARE not follow up!

    Reply
  50. Ruth - December 12, 2022 6:16 pm

    Yes please, I love a happy ending!

    Reply
  51. Roy j - December 12, 2022 6:20 pm

    Pádraig Ó Tuama says our world is “interested in being comforted by the damp blanket of bad stories.” He goes on to call for, conversely, “stories of belonging that move us towards each other, not from each other; ways of being alive together.” He boldly wagers, “This is what will save us. This is the work of peace. This is the work of imagination.”
    Sean, thank you for sharing these stories that bring light!

    Reply
  52. pattymack43 - December 12, 2022 6:39 pm

    You must write the “follow-up” someday!!!! We, your loyal public, can’t wait to hear all the details!!! Christmas Blessings to all!

    Reply
  53. Jeff Oliphant - December 12, 2022 7:05 pm

    Beautiful story. Beautifully written. Looking forward to reading the follow-up.

    Reply
  54. carolanne78 - December 12, 2022 7:37 pm

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
    and happy tears : )

    Reply
  55. gaffstergal - December 12, 2022 8:03 pm

    God is good.

    Reply
  56. Bob Troutman - December 12, 2022 8:08 pm

    Sean, I discovered your immense talent a couple of months ago. You write some really, really insightful “stuff”. The late Dennis Rogers wrote columns for our local paper (The News & Observer, Raleigh NC) before blogs and social media were things. He was my favorite and now I have a new favorite. Thank you for motivating, inspiring and moving me and others!!

    Reply
  57. MermaidGr - December 12, 2022 8:10 pm

    Please tell us she said yes and when will it happen

    Reply
  58. Linda Moon - December 12, 2022 8:12 pm

    I like her taste in books….or should I say, non-books. And I love the vibes from this real family’s story too, Sean!

    Reply
  59. Susie - December 12, 2022 8:49 pm

    Sweet

    Reply
  60. Karen - December 12, 2022 9:11 pm

    What a beautiful love story. I hope we get to hear about the wedding.

    Reply
  61. Chip - December 12, 2022 9:12 pm

    My best wishes for this family to be! Assuming she says YES!

    Reply
  62. Donna - December 12, 2022 9:59 pm

    Wow. Thanks. Crying at work again. 🥹 We are with ya’ bud. As is the entire host of heaven, I imagine. Go get ‘em’ tiger!

    Reply
  63. Melissa Brown - December 12, 2022 10:13 pm

    WOW-you sure know how to bring tears to my eyes. I will surely be praying that thing will just work out wonderfully for this family !!!!

    Reply
  64. Roma Gayle Kabes - December 12, 2022 10:24 pm

    So special!

    Reply
  65. Cathy M - December 12, 2022 10:24 pm

    I needed a happy story today and I am praying that she accepts and this little family can begin a bright future together. What a merry Christmas for those four❤️🙏🏻🎄

    Reply
  66. Trisha Tillman - December 12, 2022 11:12 pm

    This brought tears to my eyes. I pray for a wonderful family life for this family!

    Reply
  67. William J Webb - December 13, 2022 12:38 am

    This is the way it should be. After all, they are all asking her come in to their lives.

    Best of luck for a YES.

    Reply
  68. Tawanah Fagan Bagwrll - December 13, 2022 1:40 am

    I know she will say yes!

    Reply
  69. Sandi. - December 13, 2022 2:49 pm

    Sean, when you first published this story under the title “Christmas Trees” five years ago, in December of 2017, I’ve wondered since then what the outcome has been. Hopefully they are happily married and still continue to enjoy life as a family of four! Do you have an update?

    Reply
  70. Ginga Smithfield - December 13, 2022 3:33 pm

    I hope she said yes!

    Reply
  71. Mary Leach - December 13, 2022 4:25 pm

    Thank You God for the do-overs! Good vibes and prayers headed their way!
    🙏🏼💜🙌🏼

    Reply
  72. Sean of the South: Trees | The Trussville Tribune - December 13, 2022 6:59 pm

    […] By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South […]

    Reply
  73. Karen Jordan - December 14, 2022 3:40 am

    We need the “rest of the story” please.

    Reply
  74. Cm - December 14, 2022 4:15 am

    I feel a big ‘YES’ coming….

    Reply
  75. Jan Brainard - December 14, 2022 9:25 pm

    Please let us know she said “YES” and make our Christmas a little brighter!

    Reply

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