Sisterhood, weddings and a free party

I’m breaking in my maid-of-honor shoes. (Silver and strappy, with a 2 1/2- to 3-inch heel. From Payless, because I’m cheap. But they’re actually really cute and comfy, at least so far.)

In just three days I will stand in a gorgeous ballroom, in front of several hundred people, wearing a seriously pink dress, and watch my little sister vow to love, honor and cherish the man of her dreams.

I’m choking up just thinking about it.

As the sister and matron of honor (I hate the word matron, don’t you?), I have to give a toast, and I’ve spent quite a while this morning writing and reworking it. So, in conjunction with Anne and May’s free party for the release of their newest book, Breaking Up is Hard to Do, here’s my toast, aka a tribute to the sister I can’t imagine, and can’t remember, living without. (I REALLY WANT FEEDBACK here, people. Your comments are much appreciated!)

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Welcome, everyone. First, I’d like to say, on behalf of the families and wedding party, thank you to everyone for joining us today. And on behalf of everyone here, thank you, Betsy and Stephen, for inviting us to be part of your special day.

At my wedding ten months ago, Betsy gave a brilliant and beautiful toast, and in it she mentioned that we’ve always had adventures together. And it’s true. She was born when I was just seventeen months old, so I can’t remember when she wasn’t around. And all through our growing-up years, we had adventures by the dozen. We sold pink lemonade for ten cents a glass with our neighbor Allison; we rode bikes around the neighborhood and had acorn fights with Dad; we took dozens of road trips to Ohio and Missouri, singing along to George Strait albums. And she was always more than willing to push and pull me along into the next adventure. She was and is my complete opposite, and yet my best friend.

Well, as she said at my wedding, now Betsy has found someone else to have adventures with. The poet Nikki Giovanni has said, “We love because it’s the only true adventure,” and even less than a year into marriage, I believe that with all my heart. Stephen, you’re a lucky man, and the two of you have the rest of your lives to continue the adventure of loving each other.

So whether it’s golf, hunting, traveling or just enjoying your new life together, here’s to many years of adventures for the two of you.

To Betsy and Stephen!

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I will likely be a sobbing, quivering mess on the day when I try to toast the tall, blonde, hilarious, bluntly honest, beautiful social butterfly who is my best friend. But the above is what I’d like to say. (Again, feedback appreciated!)

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