May 22, 2009 2:54 PM
Zach's Best Man toast to the bride and groom
I've had several requests to hear what Zach said last night in his toast to the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Michael Curtis. I was so proud of my son for making the most of this opportunity to express something so profound and memorable.
Sometimes I am just amazed at what God has done in my children. And I am printing this not to boast, but so mothers of younger children can anticipate the rewards that lie on the other side of the motherhood mountain.
First, I would like to thank my parents and family for their hospitality and generosity. They have graciously opened their home to share and have generously seen after our needs and comfort.To the bride and groom, I have never felt so unequal to a task. I feel inadequate to achieve with such limited time and meager expression words fit for such wonderful people as you. Where I fail in eloquence, I beg your forgiveness and pray that you notice only my earnestness.
Anna, you are a remarkable woman. You are beautiful and intelligent. But you remain humble and compassionate. You are always gracious and kind in every situation, with every individual. You have always been patient with me, even when I did not deserve it, even when I was trying to make you lose it. I know Ben was always proud to introduce you, for the lucky individual could clearly see your beauty, your outer beauty, and the inner glow emanating through you. I am proud that in one day I will be able to call you my sister.
My beloved brother, no gift can surpass the years I have been granted in your company. I am grateful beyond measure that I could spend these four years of school with you. You are a man whose respect others crave. Your earnest good-nature demands esteem from any person you encounter, and your self-assurance allows you to command any situation. I was always proud when I had the opportunity to introduce myself as your little brother.
In you, there is a spark that few individuals have. You see and capture reality in ways few could imagine. Your eye captures every detail and knows how to arrange anything to perfection. I was never confident in any outfit I wore, unless you had first approved of it. I am in awe of your ability to create and impart beauty. I wish that I could more fully express my wonder at your marvelous voice. Any man would envy your vocal ability. Every time I hear you sing, I am awed by your ever-increasing talent.
Forgive me if I seem too serious, but I know no better way to articulate my respect and admiration for you. Two years ago, when I thought I would be going to the Air Force Academy, my strongest emotion was grief, and my first thought was despair. It was almost too much for me, to be parted from you when we had had so little time together. I knew that I, who had steadfastly refused to cry for years, would cry on the day we were separated.
But as that moment approaches, I find it impossible to be grieved; my heart is filled with joy and happiness. You are perfect together; I have never such a faultless match. As though you are two brilliant hues of color, unique and beautiful beyond understanding. But you have combined to form a joyous shade more brilliant than anything any person could imagine. I have never been happier than I am in this blessed moment.
As you go off together to new experiences and adventures, I have but one request. That I may humbly offer my assistance in anything you endeavor. If you require anything of me, you have but to ask, and it is yours.
So let us all raise our glasses to the bride and groom. May you overcome every obstacle and endure every storm. May every moment, the happy and the sad, be a treasure to you. May you always keep God as your destination and your helmsman. And may you always be as joyful as I am right now. Ladies and Gentlemen, a toast: the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Michael Curtis.
Comments
That is simply lovely. WOW!
Posted by: tracie Loux | May 22, 2009 4:20 PM
Oh my...oh my...
What a wonderful speech Zack........what poetry and eloquence....believe me, you do not lack in eloquence at all.
"You are a man whose respect others crave"
You speak of your brother with such admiration, eloquence and love; I pray I'm able to raise my three boys to share the same love and admiration for each other as you do for your brother.
I pray you too find the woman who will "combine to form a joyous shade more brilliant than anything any person could imagine".
You must be proud momma..........
Posted by: LadyLovas | May 22, 2009 4:31 PM
Barbara,
That was a spectacular toast. I was just telling my son today, that I am both proud of my ten kids, and humbled by what God is doing in them. I told him that it was an oxymoron, i.e., to be both humble and proud, but that is the best description of what I feel and think when I reflect on God's goodness. It is God--alone--that I praise when I see my kids walking w/God, loving us, and loving each other.
I'm sure that when you see your son and his new wife joined in union, you will feel a rush of emotions, but I'm betting that the main emotion will be one of gratitude to our great God.
I have been praying for strength as you put the wedding together, and, that, one day, all of your family members will be in harmony w/each other. You can never get this time back, so enjoy it to the fullest. As you exhorted young moms in an earlier post, the time goes so fast.
So, Barbara, enjoy the fruits of your labor today--and always--and wear waterproof mascara!
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | May 22, 2009 4:42 PM
How beautiful! What a gift.
Posted by: Marian | May 22, 2009 5:53 PM
Oh Dang, Barbara!! (wipes a tear). Now you got me crying. Beautiful.
Posted by: Sue from Buffalo | May 22, 2009 6:27 PM
Amazing speech! You must be so proud of your children!
Posted by: Bryanne | May 23, 2009 12:06 AM
What a beautiful testament to your brother, Zach.
Barbara, you have raised such wonderful sons (and daughters!) and this is your day too!
We will keep all of you in our prayers on this beautiful day. You got a special gift of sunshine from God today!
I will offer my Mass tomorrow for Ben and Anna's marriage.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 23, 2009 9:49 AM
wow, that was so beautiful. i am simply amazed at how that was written from one brother to another. thank you for sharing it!
Posted by: michelle | May 23, 2009 5:52 PM
Oh Barbara - this is so beautiful. I want my children to love each other like that . . .
Posted by: Kathy | May 26, 2009 11:45 AM
I am simply speechless. Barbara, you must be bursting with pride. That is one of the most heartfelt speeches I have ever heard.
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy (Australia) | May 27, 2009 3:18 PM
