I was born an O'Brien and became a Crook when I got married in 2015. What some of you may not know, though, is I became an honorary Wallace in 1997. It was a relatively simple process; as I remember it went a little something like going over to Katie's dad's house, her introducing me as her friend, and BOOM! I was part of the family.
There were nothing but perks to being an honorary Wallace. Trips to Kings Island, vacations to Hilton Head, rides home in the Jeep after school. We may have to run errands with Geoff to Sam's Club, but he'd get our favorite treats of Blow Pops and M&M chocolate chip cookies. Geoff and I would bond over the word jumble in the newspaper and I knew if he couldn't figure one out, there was no way I could. In college, the man kept me fed many months when he'd stock us up on Digiorno pizza, ranch dressing, diet coke, and spicy mets. At Christmas time he'd make a special batch of turtles, no nuts, just so I could enjoy some. When I could no longer keep my dog, Jackson, over to Geoff's house Katie and I went with a foolproof plan to make Geoff fall in love. It was a relatively simple process; as I recall it went a little something like taking Jackson over to Geoff's house, introducing him as a very good dog, and BOOM! Jackson was a Wallace.
Geoff was at my wedding and watched my dog, Griff, when I was on my honeymoon. He welcomed Peter into the honorary family as easily as he had anyone else. He always asked about my boys and my family and always told me to give them all his love. He was so giving and generous - if we needed a place to hang out or do a project, if we needed an absurd variety of hats, if we needed a ride somewhere or wanted food to eat, he would make it happen. I felt safe and happy and welcome in his home.
Geoffrey Wallace , it has been an honor being your Adopted Daughter, your wild child. I love you and will always love you, and I will watch out for my honorary sister and brother. Keep watch over all of us and help us see the world with your sense of wonder and delight.