catcall

Toast

Last night I attended Karen and Ken’s wedding reception at the Medford Lakes Country Club. It was a lovely, joyful, beautiful affair where Karen looked radiant (and hot) and Ken, well…he looked as bubblicious as ever all dressed up in his pink tie and spousal pride. What a perfect pair with a great new name.

A highlight: I was privileged to be escorted to this fine affair by my Dad. Whether he was dancing to Outkast’s Hey Ya, entertaining the table with stories of driving a taxi cab in New York City in the late 60’s, or holding my hand when I cried…he was the best date ever. I am so lucky to have him as my father and my friend.

Karen and Ken got married a couple of months ago at a private church ceremony with just a dozen family members in attendance, thus rendering much of the usual wedding pomp and circumstance obsolete last night. No garters or bouquets were tossed, no flowers or favors thrown out hours after display. Holding no official role in the mechanics of this union, my only duty was to show up, sit back and just soak in the love. However, my verbose nature prevailed and my brain got going and so in the shower while shaving my legs T-minus 30 minutes to cocktail hour, I crafted a toast that I knew would never get delivered in person.

I will deliver it here instead.

“I’ve known Karen for 20 years. We’ve lived far apart and we’ve live close. We lived together as roommates in Atlanta and now we live on different coasts. When I think of Karen, I don’t think of one place or one moment in time. I think of a big yellow bus. Yes, Karen when I think of you, I think of a bus.

Karen and I met in 6th grade on the yellow school bus. Very soon after our initial introduction, we knew “it” was serious. Why? Because we saved seats for one another. WE SAVED SEATS. This was serious stuff people. Need I remind you about the fickle allegiances of 6th grade girls? Some days, Karen was not on the bus. Most of the days she was. Those days that she was there were better days. Those were the best days to start our little 6th grade lives: with laughter, gossip, comfort, and sillyness.

Ken: Everything I hope for you goes back to those days on the bus. For me, every day, she made it better. Because she was there. Sitting beside Karen made it better for me. Happier. More honest. More fun. It felt like home.

Karen: I love you. I will always have a seat next to me, saved, just for you. Thanks for saving one for me all these years.

To you both: In your marriage, whether it’s at your table…or at a bar…or on a bus – you will sit next to each other. You will each be that face that the other looks for in the crowd. And you will each be there, waiting for the other. Beside each other. To share your stories, your hopes, your dreams. And yes, to share silly laughs along the way. Most importantly, you will always have someone to save you a spot - with patience and kindness and care.

My wish for you both is this: Unending happiness on your travels through life together. Enjoy the ride. I love you both. Good luck on your journey.”

posted by gracegow @ 9:38 PM