Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

This was hard.  Some of my favorite memories in recent years that I can think of are my trip to Scotland in 2005 with my best friend Alison, though we really don't remember much of it.  Ironically, another favorite memory is the birth of my babies, even though I had awful 16+ hour labors and over two hours of pushing. Tony was an amazing labor coach and I vividly remember all of his words of encouragement through the process as well as hearing "it's a girl!"...twice.

I decided to share the memory of my wedding.  I thought hiring a videographer was sort of a ridiculous, unnecessary thing to do and now my only regret is not having video of our ceremony.  We had a full Catholic mass and got to know the priest who married us.  For those of you who were there, I think you will agree Father Tom did an extraordinary job.  I wish I would have put down on paper earlier the things I remember him saying as I only have my memories to piece together his homily (as well as whoever else was there and wouldn't mind sharing what they remember with me) as that big day does come and go so quickly. 

I remember Father Tom starting by talking about all of the life up there on the alter.  Between Lucy conquering that little step with such focus, my dad tripping over my dress after giving the bride away and the love and energy from all of our friends with us in our wedding party, there was indeed a lot of life that day.  He then went on to talk about the interesting choices I had made for readings, and laughed about how I did not pick a single reading from the recommended listing he had given me, describing me as an "independent thinker".  My favorite part, though, was the metaphor he made about our life together, comparing it to jazz music.  He said jazz music can consist of improv, and if you were to screw up, the only way to tell would be determined by the next note.  He said what defines our characteristics as people is how we react to life and what is given to us.  I like to believe that Tony and I have turned some unexpected notes into beautiful jazz music.  (Also, I apologize for any terrible/botched up re-explanation - I am not always the best at descriptions)

Our wedding was an emotional day.  We unexpectedly lost Tony's dad to cancer the week before which meant we had a funeral service and burial on Tuesday and a wedding on Saturday.  If there was any silver lining to come of the event, it was that I had the privilege of spending a good amount of time with Tony's family and for the first time really felt like I belonged.  A lot of tears were shed that week -- both happy and sad.

I picked this memory because I find it to be the most tangible in a sense as I have many pictures and a hard copy of  my dad's Father of the Bride speech.  I am a bit bias, yes, but I have to say my dad gave the best FOB speech.  I have it here and I would like to share it with you.  I love to read it because everything about it is so quintessentially him.  If you take the time to read it, you may get a sense of where I inherit my verbiage and run on sentences :).    It's a good thing you can't see me right now, because I have yet to read it without tears streaming down my face.  I haven't even looked at it yet tonight and already feel my nose getting all tingly --

Anna, we all knew you wanted a white wedding, but this is a little over the top...even for you.  With snow in early October, we weren't sure if anyone would show up, but by all of you being here I can see just how special Anna and Tony are to you. 

It may be cold outside, but because of the love in this room, it's very warm inside.

Welcome, everyone.  For those of you who don't know me, I am Anna's Dad.  This is her mother, Stephanie; her brother, Michael and his wife Kaley; and younger brother, Jacob, the ring bearer.  I have to warn you, there is an impostor in the house.  He may look like me, he may walk and talk like me, but he's not the one wearing the tux.  He is getting lots of hugs from the young girls and giving great advice and loving every minute of it.  Beware, he has nothing but good intentions.

(my dad is describing my Uncle John, his identical twin, here)

I wish to welcome everyone from near and far.  Some have traveled great distances to be here with us to celebrate this union.  There are also some people whom we wish could have been here today, but we know some of them have included us in their prayers, while other are looking down upon this celebration with huge smiles on their faces extending their blessings.

Welcome to Tony's Grandma Mary, his brother Adam and sister Mandy.  Also a warm welcome to his Auntie Ann and uncles Steve, Paul and Jim and their families.  Your bond and love for one another as a family has been, and I'm sure will continue to be, inspirational to this newly created family.

I would like to thank the Maid of Honor, Amanda; the bridesmaids, and Anna's friends who have contributed their time, treasure and talent, and for taking care of Anna these past months.  Ladies, you each have your own special talents and gifts, all of which Anna has called upon to make this a special day.  Stephanie and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your friendship and the love you and shown Anna, Tony and Lucy in their journey together.

To the groomsmen, ushers, and especially the ring bearer; Stephanie and I have been witness to the friendship and support that you have shown Tony, Anna, and Lucy.  We welcome you with admiration and respect for the men that you are.

I would also like to thank Father Tom for the beautiful service.  Additionally, I want to acknowledge Haley's mom, Wendy, for the incredible floral arrangements she created from Anna's vision for a fall wedding...and thanks, Skip, for sharing your wife and daughter for this momentous occasion.  Hey, Skip!  We also want to thank the people here at Log Jam, especially Rob and Kristin, for putting together a very special wedding reception. 

At this point, what do I say about my dearest, darling daughter?  From the moment she was born she set forth mastering the world around her.  We called her "little miss button pusher"since she took command of her world, even before she could speak.   When we look at Lucy, we know why they say  the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  Anna, I've always said what goes around comes around.  You've got your hands full with this one.

I remember when Anna was about six years old and she was putting together her Christmas wish list to Santa.  She sent a copy to all her relatives addressing it to "all the Anna lovers of the world".  Anna, you had it right even back then.  Your mom and I have seen first hand how your bright smile, affectionate laughter and dedication have attracted many deep and lasting friendships to you and those around you. 

I remember when Anna was about 8 years old.  We were talking about when she grows up.  The topic of "when I get married" was brought up.  I remember saying that would be a great day, and I went to to look even further in the future and I said that I look forward to dancing at my granddaughter's wedding.  Anna replied, "that will never happen."  I looked at her and said, "You don't think I'll live that long?"  She said, "No, Dad, you can't dance now!"  So bear with me when Anna and I share a dance this evening.

As those of you who know Anna, she has always had a gift for music and drama.  She is an incredible vocalist and has a great gift for drama :) .  I remember when she was in the high school musical "The Sound of Music".  Stephanie and I were sitting in what I remember as about the 5th or 6th row, center.  On stage walks Anna as the baroness and I said "Oh my god!"  Stephanie asked what was the matter and I replied "I just realized I've been raising my mother the last sixteen years!"  Those of you who knew her Grandma Sally, you can understand.  Like her paternal grandmother, Anna has grown to be a strong willed, compassionate and loyal human being who gives of herself whenever called upon.  When loved, she returns that love as it know no bounds.  Anna, your mother and I are in awe of you.  You've grown from a restless and, may I say a little rebellious adolescent, to a beautiful young woman.  Motherhood and marriage suit you well.  We don't think we have ever seen you happier than you are right now.

Today, to see you and Tony joined together in the Holy sacrament of marriage, gives your mom and I wish for you the same blessings and happiness we have found in our life together.  With all sincerity, I have to say that Anna and Tony are extremely well suited for each other.  Don't you all agree?  They are happy together and very much in love - the perfect combination for seeing them through life.

I want to say we are very proud to have such a beautiful daughter as Anna, the blushing bride.  We are also very proud of Tony and want to acknowledge him for his obvious perception of the beauty that lies within his chosen partner.  Tony has been a part of the family for some time now and Anna, I can truly say that you've "done good".  You couldn't have done better even if I had chosen him myself...even if he is a Vikings fan. 

As father of the bride I'm expected to give some marital advice.  Well as Tony and Anna well know, I'm great at giving advice...especially when it's unsolicited.

Tony -  Never go to sleep with an unfinished argument hanging over you.  Be a man!  Stay awake and fight till the end!  Keep in mind that you're going to lose anyway, so you might as well get it over and done with so you get a decent night's sleep.  Let Anna have the last word.  Anything beyond that is just a new argument. 

Anna -  If you want something from Tony, ask for it.  Remember, he is a man.  Hints simply won't work. 

With that said, I now ask you to all stand and join me in raising your glass.  

Here's to the past, for all that you've learned.  Here's to the present, for all that you share.  And here is to the future, for all that you look forward to... together!  May God bless you and keep you always.  Join me in congratulating this couple, newly joined in Holy matrimony - Mr. and Mrs. Tony Otto!



And, finally, the picture(s)....