I recently had the honor of giving a toast at my best friend’s wedding. As I was thinking about what to say, I thought about all the things we have done together. My heart was full of joy and sadness all at once. She was moving on, she had real happiness and the love of her life. At the same time, as any best friend would do, I had to let go—wishing her all the best in the next phase of her life journey. As I gathered my thoughts, it occurred to me that we should celebrate each other’s lives more often and say the things that matter often. Cheers to you my friend, with love.
The Toast
Thank goodness many of my first impressions about you did not last … don’t get me wrong you are still a nerd and you went ahead converting me into one!
Who would have thought then, that today I would be reflecting on our friendship, which is just under twenty-five years in the making?
We have introduced each other to so many things; to my world, you brought college basketball, and Facebook—which, according to their calculations we have over fifty friends in common and I’m sure after tonight that number will only go up.
We have shared so much; gossiped, ranked and rated boyfriends, and even thought about trading them!
And today in front of your family and friends you give up your little … (excuse me!) … big black book.
We’ve added girlfriends and protected each other from enemies.
We have covered for each other, undertaken covert operations, partied both like paupers and rock stars, and hugged each other on both bad and good news.
We’ve spent countless hours on the phone talking about everything and nothing, even after spending the whole day together.
At the same time, we’ve sat in comfortable silence in each other’s company.
Together we have experienced deep pain and sorrow; as well as moments of absolute joy.
Cried and laughed with each other.
We are the keeper of each other’s fears and secrets;
And the encourager of each other’s dreams.
I love you dearly and so do all of us here—especially all your girlfriends sitting here. We will never be far away.
But now it’s time for us to take the back seat as your husband rides in the seat next to you.
As of this evening your soul mate takes over the reins—to experience all these things I’ve mentioned—love, hugs, tears, joys, and dreams.
I hope we will be gathering again to share multiple twenty-five-year anniversaries with both of you.
May the Lord smile on you.
May the love you have for each other continue to grow and deepen.
I pray for love in your hearts and joy in your home in a long and happy life together.
God bless you.
