The Gift of a Toast

It's hard to believe that it's already been four years since my dad passed away.  This time of year is always filled with happiness and sadness between my wedding anniversary, father's day and the day he died. My mom has tried to have me separate the events, but they are intertwined in both good and bad ways.  The last time I saw my dad alive was on father's day and we spent a delightful time rehashing the wedding before we left for our honeymoon.  And the last speech Dad made was at the wedding for our toast.  I like to think it is a great lasting memory for everyone at the wedding-- to have seen him at his finest and on one of the happiest days in his life. Despite having been sick for years before, the last memory so many got that day was of a vibrant, proud and loving father.  Such a gift.  (Below is the toast he made at the wedding).  I love and miss you every day Dad.

Top of the evening.

That's an old Irish greeting and a grand night for all.

I'll keep my remarks short.  (Guys with my kind of voice shouldn't engage in oratory.)

First, to Megan and Sam- You are both special people and gifts to all of us. All blessings upon you.  This is your day.

To the Elsener's and their wonderful families- Thanks again to Jim and Pat for their generous contribution to this wonderful celebration. We have had the pleasure of spending time with Jim and Pat and consider them family, just as I hope they include us in their family circle.

Let me say a few more words about the Bride and Groom beginning with the fact that people have started to call them Sam&Meg or Meg&Sam, as if they were one unit instead of two people.  Together or individually, both exude an exceptional love of life and family.

We have come to know Sam as a fun loving guy who can spend a day at Wrigley Field and then go home and write a strategic business plan.

My wife, Joanne, continues to be impressed by the fact that Sam has a 5 year plan that he regularly updates.  Most importantly, he has become the much loved "Uncle Sam" to the four little ones in our family.

Then of course, there is our sweet Megan - who reminds me of the endless high school basketball games...college road trips to Colgate and Cornell...weekends in Ann Arbor...a memorable birthday and dental episode in Italy followed by the birthday tale of the white stretch limo. Good fun, but note to self: Beware of birthday celebrations in Ann Arbor.  Go Blue!

Seriously, we are naturally proud of Megan's accomplishments-- academic, athletic and professional, as well as the beautiful young woman that she has become.

In fact, Megan's boss of bosses-- Oprah Winfrey-- couldn't be here tonight because she didn't want to deflect any attention away from Megan.  Or is it the other way around-- Oprah didn't want Megan to steal her thunder?

Megan's learned a lot about production from her wealth of TV experience at Harpo. She has worked hard to "produce" the many details of her wedding.  Look around: these are her fruits of her labors.

We thank all of you who have come to share this very special day with our family.

Megan and Sam have known each other since high school and developed a deep friendship that blossomed into love.  We ask you to raise your glass to toast this wonderful couple that their friendship and love will continue to grow for many years.  Here's to Megan and Sam...