Cast of characters: Don K.

Our family is much more than our parents and siblings, and we're very lucky to have "in-laws" who seem just like our own brothers and sisters. Don K., "Rita's Don," has been in our family for nearly 50 years, and we're all lucky to have him.

See, we have so many Dons in the family that we have to keep them straight with an initial or a Jr. or a nickname. This Don has a son named Don and had a brother-in-law named Don. We have the same issue with a bunch of Johns, but we'll get to them in time.

You can probably tell from this picture that this Don is a strong, silent type -- something the Simpkins family could use more of! He's a listener among a family of talkers, the guy behind the scenes who cleans up the kitchen, takes out the trash, thinks before he talks, walks softly and carries a big stick. If he's given a chance, he has a lot to say about things. He has opinions, but he tends to keep them to himself, unlike some of us. And he has been Rita's husband since I was still in grade school. He has withstood the test of time, loving us, warts and all, and loving our parents as if they were his own.

Mom adored Don. Dad loved him, too, even though he was hard on him from day one. Maybe that's how a dad is when a man steals his daughter, but until I brought George into the family for Dad to pick on, Don was his favorite target. If he was testing him all that time, Don passed with flying colors.

I still remember seeing Don and his brother Dick, cruising around in that gorgeous '57 black Chevy, looking Elvis-cool, when I was a kid. And I've always been a little envious of the strong marriage he has forged with my big sister. They're best friends. Confidantes. Soul mates. And, you know, I don't think I've ever heard Don complain. He's cool in a crisis and always there when it counts. You add so much to our family, Don, and I'm not sure I've ever told you that I think you're the best -- but you are!