First, I want to thank you all for being here today with us to celebrate Lauren and Chris’s wedding. I know that many of you have traveled long distances to be here and we all really appreciate that. And I want to give a special thanks to Fr. David who I’ve been fortunate enough to have been friends with for over 40 years. It means a lot to our family that you were able to conduct today’s ceremony and be part of this special day.
Shortly after Lauren was born, the Dr. informed her mother and I that Lauren had a palsied arm. One of her arms didn’t work. The Dr. didn’t know if it would be permanent, if it could be corrected with extensive therapy, or if she would regain partial or full use of her arm. It’s rather extraordinary how a parent reacts to hearing something like that. Our reaction was … it didn’t matter. From the instant she was born, Lauren had our complete and eternal love … regardless of any existing or future blemishes. It didn’t matter. In our eyes, she was perfect and could do anything. That’s still the way I see her.
As I look at Lauren, I can’t help but reflect on all the years I was lucky enough to watch her grow and become the beautiful woman she is today. She captured my heart on the day she was born, and I became more in awe of her as the years have passed by.
Today, I am the proudest dad in the world to have accompanied Lauren down the aisle.
Many people have remarked to me on how stunning she looks. It’s funny that to me, it’s what’s inside Lauren, that is most stunning. Her mother and I could not be prouder of her. I am not exaggerating when I say that the most commonly shared remark between Ellen and I has been how lucky we were that God gave us a daughter like Lauren. She seldom got into trouble (or maybe seldom got caught), she always got good grades, she was always a responsible person, and she’s always surrounded herself with incredible friends … many of whom are here today.
It’s been comforting to know that she had such loyal, caring friends to lean on.I know I’m supposed to say a few embarrassing things about her when she was younger, but during several summers, Lauren worked at our public relations firm, so she probably knows more gossip about me than I know about her … so I’ve decided to call a truce.
I’ll just say that the time has come for your mother and me to relinquish the roles we’ve had, and begin new roles. A portion of you will be lost to us. But we are delighted that you have found Chris who you obviously love and care for so much. After graduating from college, Chris worked at our public relations firm for a short while. So we got to know him and appreciate his skills and his character. We know that Chris appreciates the finer things in life … after all, he picked Lauren.
Together they have already learned that marriage is a time when you stop painting the town and start painting the walls and ceilings.
I’m not here to give you marital advice. But I will say that there is no challenge in a marriage that can’t be overcome by one or more of the following 4 statements: “I was wrong!” “You were right!” “Yes, dear.” “I love you.”
Lauren, just as I loved you from the instant you were born, my love will follow you through the rest of my life. Today I pass you on to share your life with Chris as you embark on a wonderful journey together. But I will keep and treasure the memories we’ve made together, forever.
Please join me in raising a glass to the bride and groom … May the two of you always treat each other with love, compassion and kindness. And may the memories you make together, be as wonderful as the memories I already have.Running Sneakers | Nike for Men