Toast to the Bride

I have the rather enjoyable task of speaking about Shannon's childhood, or at least the part up until now. I was very pleased when asked to propose a toast today because Shannon has always been very special to me. Shannon came into the world on July 31, 1974. She quickly learned how to manipulate most of the family to get them to do what she wanted. From an early age she became my constant shadow, much as I had done to Auntie Sheila some years earlier. Just to prove "what goes around comes around" Shannon now walks on the ground my three boys worship.

Being the independent spirit that she is, when Shannon was about six years old, she lamented to Auntie Sheila about her July birthday. It seems that Shannon found it patently unfair that Siobhan should be able to have a birthday party during the school year when her friends could attend but Shannon could not. Auntie Sheila said, likely in the offhanded way moms answer their children's odd requests, "Well, maybe we could have a party before summer for you."

Imagine Auntie Sheila's surprise when about 10 little girls showed up a week later all set for a birthday party. It seems that Shannon had phoned all her friends telling them that she was having a birthday party. She even reminded them to bring a present!

From early on I came to think of Shannon as a younger sister. We have come full circle in our relationship, from the days when I babysat her and Siobhan (the Band-Aid baby) to her teen years when my apartment offered an escape from her parents. Shannon was a bridesmaid at my wedding, was one of the first people to see me at the hospital after my babies were born and was logically one of the first people to whom I entrusted their care. She has since graduated from the days of babysitting my children to the onerous job of babysitting my mom's dogs. Shannon, being Shannon, has risen to the challenge.

Trying to capture Shannon in words is difficult because Shannon is so much more than words. Along with being independent and strong minded, she is compassionate and caring. Shannon would give you the shirt off her back if you needed help and a truer friend you won't find. Shannon is always willing to lend a hand or an ear, whichever is needed. She loves golf, fishing and movies, and I've heard she's a fiend at poker. Now, I'm not at liberty to reveal details, but I've been told that you never get between her and the poker pot. It's not a pretty sight.

And so I stand here today at "little Shannon's" wedding. Shannon, I have watched you grow from a quiet, dark eyed little girl, through the difficult teens and into the lovely and accomplished young woman you are today. Through it all you have always been very special to me, and you hold that place in my heart reserved for "nearly sisters". I know that you have a special place in the hearts of everyone here today and that they join me in wishing you well.

About 90 years ago in a little fishing village in Scotland there was another wedding, that of Shannon's great-grandparents. The uncle of the groom could not make it to the wedding so he sent a telegram. It read "Lang may your lummie reek." (It means long may your chimney smoke - doesn't translate well but it means may you have a home and the comforts of food and family.) It is part of a larger Scottish blessing. I'd like to read it to Shannon and Brock now...

Would you please raise your glasses with me in a toast to Shannon. To the bride.