The Speech

First, I want to thank all of you for being here tonight to honor my sister and Chris as they begin their lives together.

 My sister sometimes reminds me of the main character in the movie 27 Dresses.  For those of you not familiar, Katherine Heigl finds herself a bridesmaid in 27 weddings and the focus of a news article.  She also has a terribly self centered and obnoxious  sister, so clearly that part is different.  This is not some joke about my sister always being a bridesmaid.  In fact, my sister has been to approximately 30 weddings  (she had trouble keeping them all straight).  She wasn't a bridesmaid in all of them, but over the past 5 years or so has collected quite a few dresses.  

The reason I bring this up is because it strikes me as extraordinary, but not at all surprising to me, that so many people found their relationship with Sheila and Chris to be so special that they made them a part of their wedding day.  I think it speaks to the kind of people they are.  Thoughtful, kind, generous, and really, really fun.  They have surrounded themselves with great friends and have maintained friendships that began at work, in college, high school, grade school, and even one or two that can trace roots back to preschool.  These kinds of friendships don't just happen. Like a marriage, they can be a lot of work.  Along the way, there will be tears and laughter, and all of that will serve to bring you closer to each other, to know each other even better, and to  love each other even more.  Know that as you step, and sometimes misstep, you are surrounded by the love you feel tonight in this room, the support of all the people gathered here.

According to my five year old nephew, Nathan, Married is when there is just one person you want to be very friendly with and you don't live with any other people.  Of course, he then went on to explain that he will be marrying his brother since they are best friends.

In each other, you have found a best friend, the one person you want to be very friendly with.  For the rest of your lives.

Please take a moment to raise your glass as we toast Sheila and Chris.  We love you.