my toast
by Kay
My daughter gets married in a week. I’m giving a toast on Friday, the night before the wedding. We’ll go to the rehearsal, then to supper, and then to a fire pit in the park. Brad will bring his guitar. We’ll roast marshmallows. Parents will give toasts.
I’ve always been shy about public speaking and I’m a bit nervous. Sarah’s dad died a few years ago, or he would probably be giving the toast. I needed to step up.
Here’s what I’m saying:
When Sarah was little, one of her first favorite books was The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. It’s the story of a little boy and his very first snowfall. He goes outside and makes tracks in the snow, he makes a snow angel, and he builds a little snowman. He sees some big boys. They’re having a snowball fight. He wants to play with them, but he knows he’s not big enough yet. So, instead, he makes a snowball and puts it in his pocket to save it for tomorrow.
This is Sarah. Always saving for tomorrow. She could save Jelly Bellies until they petrify. Now, our tomorrow is here.
Sarah, you have grown to be a strong, independent, and ethical woman. Yet somehow, you have managed to maintain your sensitivity and innocence, and, you look quite beautiful tonight.
Eric, I could look forever and not find a better father than you are, to Liem, and maybe to another baby someday. I will be honored to call you my son-in-law. No, my son.
Ann and Peter, I look forward to grandparenting with you. (No pressure, kids.)
Liem, just when I thought my heart was ready to burst, you come along, and teach me that Lego’s have “pieces” not “parts” and that “old people can have adventures, too.” I’ll always be ready for adventures with you, if we are biking, or swimming, or even playing basketball.
So, here’s to Eric; his soon-to-be wife, my daughter, Sarah; to our friends, our family; and, to tomorrow.
Love it. Everyone in your life is so lucky to have you, but you must the most awesome mom.
Thank you, Betty. What a humbling comment.
Hello, thanks for stopping by, it is lovely to meet you…we moved to Scotland last year after nearly two years in Missouri, so it is quite evocative to discover your midwest musings, I shall look forward to hearing how you got on with the toast, weddings are fabulous life-affirming occasions.
Thank you for reading my post. Scotland sounds wonderful! Are you from there?
hello American stranger
Your speech is very touching but I think I would leave the last line out, so you can improvise just slightly and enjoy the moment
Good luck!
Maybe I’ll be brave enough to improvise. I hope so. Thank you for reading!
I love the cadence of these lines. They have a simple elegance that fits with the event. I look forward to standing beside you, once in a life time, once in a family time; to hearing these words spoken, hang in the air; and, then wash quietly over us.
Thank you for listening to this toast so many times. I know you have it memorized, too!
Your toast is quite beautiful. Your daughter is lucky to have a mum like you!
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Thank you. You are kind. I’m lucky to have a daughter like her, too.
love it…leave the shy part behind and enjoy the dance!
I will try to leave the shy part behind. Usually, though, when it gets close to time for me to speak, I can hear my heart start pounding and my hands begin to shake. Yes, it’s time to enjoy the dance! Thank you for stopping by my blog, my friend!
Hi Kay. Your toast is lovely. Most people fear public speaking, but here’s a tip: make eye contact with your daughter as you speak. Even if you don’t recite your words exactly as written, your connection to her will carry you through and your nervousness will dissolve. Good luck and best wishes to you and your family.
This is excellent advice. I will! I’ll let you know how it goes!
What a beautiful toast! She is so lucky to have you for a mom. I was so nervous to read my toast to my husband at the rehearsal dinner, but when it came down to it, there was so much love in the room, and there were so many tears, that it just poured out, and all the anxiety gave way to joy and excitement about the wedding. You will do a wonderful job. Good luck!!!
My daughter just sent me a draft of her vows. I have tears in my eyes and I may not dry up until next month sometime. Thank you for coming by my blog. I’m honored.
Beautiful toast! You sound like such a great mom!
Thank you. You are kind. As time gets closer and closer, I find I’m getting so nervous. I hope I can do this!