June 11-12, 2017

A very close friend of mine recently gave a toast at a wedding. She asked me if I would post the toast in its complete form since she gave the abridged version at the wedding. The bride had two requests for the toast; one, that she not cry (which she knew she would), and number two that she keep it short, so they would have lots of time to dance (smile).

No tears and lots of dancing were accomplished with the abridged version of the toast, however my friend asked me if I would post it in its entirety here because she wanted the bride to know how special she is for always and the happiness she hopes for her and her groom.

The Toast

           

From the moment the bride, as a child, first fought sleep in order to finish a monopoly game, her heavy eyes struggling to focus while she negotiated to add Park Place to her Boardwalk assets as she curled in her chair at the end of the table, her fingers and toes tangled in the multi-colored afghan, I knew she would make her own way in this great big world.

    

Today reflects that. She is successful in a career she enjoys, surrounded by family and friends who love her, and celebrating her future with a good man who chooses to share his life with her, even as she chooses to share hers with him.

I am honored to sit by her side. She has taught me the strength in quiet, the skill of one who pays attention the first time, the intelligence of those who speak only after much consideration, and the great gift of trust from a heart that loves when it has known true hurt.

 

Listen to understand each other, not reply, as you share your lives together; because if you are thinking of your reply, then the thoughts, hurts, and hurdles your companion desires to convey slip past you unnoticed. As humans, we seldom need someone else to give us answers to our problems we just want someone to care about us as we face them – so listen to understand – not reply.

May your love be patient, your intimacy unbroken, and your life together—forever.

With all my love, Na.