The Speech

so, i was at a wedding the other day, and let me tell you- weddings get to me. they do, they just do and i don't know why. and what got to me the most was something during the speeches.

 they had waited to do the toasts and everything until after everyone had eaten and had a drink or two. there weren't too many people who got up to say something but there was one that just nailed it. when the groom's father was called up his speech started before he even touched the mic. everything he was going to say was in his movements, his smooth and purposeful rise from the chair, chest out and cool strides to the podium. this was a proud man. when he grabbed the microphone it looked suddenly much smaller in his hand. he didn't have anything written down in front of him but you could tell he had definitely prepared what he was going to say and had probably practiced it once or twice. 

i was lucky enough to find someone who had filmed all the speeches, so i went over the video and wrote down what he said. i really want to share this with whoever wants to read it, so i hope you enjoy it.. i've included some narration as well. 

*he takes the mic and looks at the bride and sort of gives a nod before looking at his son. this was going to be a word from a father to a son. through the entire speech he's looking right at Ian, and the feeling that gave off was awesome. almost like this was the most honest thing one could ever say to a son, and we were all privy to it. it was incredible.*

"Ian, 

i don't know how you did it

-found this girl, that is.

and i don't know how you tricked her into sticking around

but you've managed to pull her in and she doesn't seem to mind. 

*he sort of chuckles and there are some laughs from the tables, and he goes on.*

she's gorgeous, look at her

right beside you

making you look more of a man than ever.

i guess i must have done something right- 

*you can already hear his voice beginning to strain, and he takes a deep breath*

-to raise you to end up here 

with her.

i remember you Ian,

i remember you from the beginning. 

even you don't remember everything, 

but i've been there right from the start.

your entire life 

your first breath

your first word

step, first fall,

your first gold medal

first car

*he chokes up and pauses, you can hear him breathing to calm himself down.*

and now

after being there for your whole life

more of your life than you've known

i'm seeing you start a new one

with someone so beautiful 

god couldn't make her twice.

and this time

you'll see it right from the beginning.

with every life though, Ian,

*when he says his name it's as if the universe is giving a nod of approval. i told you, they had some crazy energy between them for this.*

remember this-

there are always firsts.

there are always scraped knees

and skinned elbows.

but they do heal.

and kisses always make them feel better.

*here he looks at the bride and sort of tips the mic to her, as if he were greeting someone with a tip of the hat.*

so,

i know how busy life is.

and i can tell you-

new ones are the busiest.

so i don't think i'll have this much of your attention again for a long time,

possibly not until i die.

*he said that very matter-of-fact, in such a way that it wasn't so grim as logical.*

i want you to know i don't mind. 

she needs you,

you're starting your life.

and seeing you do that...

*he starts to choke up a little bit again.*

i could never be happier.

i know you think this speech should be a congratulations,

it's not.

this is a thank you.

*when he says "thank you" it's as if he'd never said it before and all this weight had just come off him.*

thank you 

for being a good son.

for bringing out the best in everyone.

for pursuing your own dreams

and never giving up.

thank you

for finding true love,

and for making me

*staggered sharp breath*

the proudest father.

i love you."

he put the mic back on the stand and looked like that was the last time he would be able to say that to his son, and not someone's husband. he started walking towards the bride and groom but Ian was already on the floor. that was a sight. no one was clapping, there were no cheers or anything, it was quiet. it was a moment. father and son, hugging in the middle of the room with all their friends and family surrounding them, the son dressed a charcoal grey suit, looking like he could own the world, and the father in a faded, slightly brighter grey dress jacket, white dress shirt and black pants (someone later told me that he had the jacket resized and was the same one he wore when he got married, that's why it was faded.)

they both had tears coming down their faces but neither were saying a thing. i'm not sure if they could if they tried. and the camera didn't catch it but i remember looking over at the bride and the look on her face was something i will never forget. she looked like she just realized how the man she just married became that man. or maybe she saw exactly how much trust there was- between father and son, and between the father and her. she was taking his son away after-all, and he was trusting her with that. and there were some other looks thrown in there, not as prevalent, but there. shock, joy, discovery, nostalgia, pride, and love. 

and i'm going to end it there. the video keeps going but i think that's a nice ending. 

or beginning.