The Men in Her Life
Aaron’s Speech for Kenzie’s Rehearsal Dinner
Intro:
Dawn and I got married right after our missions. We had big plans to travel, go to school, save money, and have some fun BEFORE we started a family. But per usual, Kenzie had other plans. Eighteen months after we said “I DO”, I held this tiny, dark haired, blue eyed, with a familiar dimple in her chin, beautiful little girl. I wondered what I was supposed to do with her? How was I going to take care of her? Was I ready to be a dad? I was overwhelmed with fear, a little doubt, and a whole lot of nerves. It didn’t take us long to settle in to our new roles. Dawn and I quickly realized it was Kenzie’s world and we were just living in it.
We had Kenzie to ourselves for FIVE years. Because of that, I feel like I have a unique bond with Kenz. When Dawn would go to work at nights, it was just Kenzie and me. We would roam Home Depot, Fred Meyer, or even Blockbuster. Of course I would curl her hair (usually backwards) with the curling iron. She’d wear whatever SHE chose. And if we stopped by Sizzler, where Dawn was working, I would surely hear about her appearance. But it didn’t matter to us. We were living our best life. I loved this little girl. She knew she was special and She knew I would always keep her safe. I was the one and only MAN in her life. Even if she did say no when I asked her if she “Loved her Daddy”. :)
Jeff and Todd:
We moved to Pittsburgh for dental school when Kenz was three years old. We lived right next door to my best friend Jeff’s house. After school, when Jeff and I would get off the bus and start walking toward our homes, both of our little girls would be waiting for us in the front door window. We would light up the second we saw their adorable faces. They would greet us and welcome us home. But over time, I realized Kenz wasn’t looking out the front door for just me.
Jeff would always invite Kenzie to do whatever he was doing with his daughter Ashlyn - they’d go on Bike rides, walk to the Boulevard for an Ice cream run and meet for some Back yard shenanigans. The look on her face when we got home from school each day told me I had some competition. I was no longer the only MAN in her life.
I loved that Kenzie loved Jeff. She trusted him. He made her feel loved, safe, and special. Today Jeff lives in Texas. Recently when talking to Kenzie about Jeff and his wife Alyssa, she made the comment, “the Hanzons feel like HOME.”
I have a strong belief in surrounding yourself with good people. I have watched my best friend Todd go out of his way to connect with my kids. Kenzie knows, if I’m not around, run across the street and ask Todd. Todd and Jeni have been cheering Kenzie on since she was 12 years old. Whether in the stands in LA when she was competing on American Idol or inviting the entire ward to their home to celebrate her upcoming wedding. I can’t think of a time when Dawn and I have gone to dinner with Todd and Jeni and Todd hasn’t asked “How’s Kenz?” It doesn’t matter how many photos Kenzie makes of Todd wearing University of Utah logos. She knows he’s there if she needed. Todd and Jeni make her feel loved, safe, and special.
Grandpa/Uncles
Before Dawn and I left for dental school, we each worked several jobs. Kenzie spent a lot of time with the Allens. Jenn and Scott became Kenzie's second parents. Sometimes she even preferred them over us. If you know my brother in law, Scott, then you know why I had no problem when Kenzie chose Scott over me. He loved Kenzie as his own and made her feel loved, safe, and special.
Many of you know Kenzie is a talented musician. When people ask where she got her talent, I don’t hesitate to give credit to the MEN in her life that helped her develop her love for music. She wrote her first song with Uncle Adam. She wanted Uncle Josh there when she recorded her first album. But her Grandpa Earl was her greatest influence. He pushed her, encouraged her, and expected her to share her talent with everyone. These men connect with Kenzie on a whole different level. She trusts them. When she is performing they make her feel loved, safe, and special. I know she misses Grandpa Earl and wishes he was here for her wedding day. I am sure he is watching and like me, is wondering why you aren’t singing at your own wedding! :)
Brothers
At home, Kenzie has three MEN in her life. Me, Mackay, & Hayden. They have taught her how to be patient, how to forgive, and how to love unconditionally. Her brothers would walk through fire for her. They will go to great lengths to protect and defend her. I know as much as they want her happily married and out of the house - they will miss their chats in middle of the night, the food run request, her help with their homework, and her advice about women. I’m proud of these MEN and all they are becoming. I also know Kenzie has played a big role in who they are today. Although they love scaring her when she’s alone in the basement, they also make her feel loved, safe, and special.
Ben
And then there is Ben. Dawn and I have had a front row seat as we have watched them fall madly in love with each other. From their first date at Boondocks back in March 2018 to the day in March 2023 when he proposed. Ben has learned Kenzie. He is patient with her unique quirks and understand her limits. He calm her fears, surprises her with Baskin ribbons ice cream clowns, and stills opens her car door and waits for her to get settled. For the last five years, Kenzie has stood at the front window waiting for Ben to arrive. She trusts him. She teases him. She loves him. He is everything we have ever wanted for our daughter. He makes her feel loved, safe, and special. Ben is HOME.
Conclusion
So as you can see, Kenzie has some pretty incredible MEN in her life. I feel honored to stand among these men. I think each one of us would say Kenzie has made our lives better, richer, (mine a little poorer). She has made us laugh, learn, grit our teeth, and smile bigger. Tomorrow it will be my honor to pass the baton to Ben. I know from today to forever you be the ONE AND ONLY MAN in her life.
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