Reception Speech

For those of you who don’t know me I am Melissa, Christopher’s mom. I am the mom of 6 – 3 girls and 3 boys – Chris being the oldest.

March 26, 1994 seems like yesterday, I was a baby myself holding my baby – and then I blinked and here I am standing at my sweet boys wedding. But we all know that life slows for no one and the days pass slow but the years go quickly by. So here we are… today celebrating this beautiful couple – Chris and Emily. And with the addition of Emily to our family – the balance of power now goes to the girls!!!!

Being a mom to Christopher has been one of the most rewarding experiences, one that has taught me the art of adaptability and one that has yielded sooooo many great stories. The overall theme of Christopher’s life was similar to that of the movie the Absent Minded Professor. My dad made countless trips running forgotten books, homework assignments, lunch money, uniforms, shoes and anything else that was needed. One morning Chris wakes up for school, gets ready and leaves heading to school. His drive is a good 15 minutes. So this boy drove his vehicle for 15 minutes, arrives at school and realizes he has forgotten his shoes. Now, for those of us that drive – it almost seems impossible considering the sensation of your foot against the gas pedal and brake feels dramatically different with just a sock on compared to a shoe – right. I can only imagine the moment he realized – like stepping out of his truck onto the concrete parking lot in his socks thinking – shoot I need to call mom.

We rebought library books, uniform shirts, wallets, drivers licenses and even ties. until such time that Chris took matters into his own hands. Knowing he had lost his uniform tie for the 3rd time in a school year and that I would have been livid to now have to buy yet another uniform tie – he went to the local thrift store, bought a navy jacket, ripped the sleeve off the jacket and used the fabric to wrap a purple paisley tie and secure the fabric with scotch tape. ( I still have that tie – and always joked that I will be saving it for him to wear at this wedding)

These are great stories and I could go on and on telling you more, but I say all this to say Emily you are now officially in charge of all lost passports keys, wallets, credit cards, etc. Forgotten shoes, clothes and EVEN responsible for getting him and his luggage on the plane or in the car.

But honestly that part of Chris that forgets or loses things is one of the things that I love about him – the thing that makes him uniquely him. When he was a little boy he was the most loving, caring, inclusive, intelligent, compassionate kid – and all of those qualities have carried forward to the man he has become today – and he’s funny (even if Lizzy doesn’t think you’re funny – you’re funny) I have watched proudly as he has navigated college, relocating to a new city, forging ahead with his career and building a life of his own. And while he was working his way through all that – he was still a son – a son that was my rock during some difficult times, an advisor who always shared his wisdom that was far beyond his years, and the one that held the keys to the kingdom and so graciously passed them along when it was time. He was also a big brother, fully engaged with his siblings even from afar, – He is the pied piper/activity coordinator for the littles, the helper of all math homework, the assistant with law school acceptance essays and the best prankster of all time.

I just love the man He has become and I love even more the man He is WITH Emily.

I have prayed since my kids were little that they would find a suitable mate – someone that loved them in a way I couldn’t but with the same depth of love that I do. When I first met Emily and saw how she looked at Chris, how she embraced everything about who he was – I knew he had found “His Person”. And I cannot say enough about who Emily is. Our family is a lot – we have lots of activities going on – lots of big personalities – we have grown kids but still have little kids – and she showed up and made herself at home with us. She is kind, funny, smart, welcoming, loving, witty, compassionate, vivacious and attentive – she sees people and makes them feel known (such a rare quality in a young person) and she is so much more. AND she has the best taste in music – I mean who from my generation doesn’t love Stevie Nix (Emily is just an old soul) I have witnessed over the last 6 years the beauty that is Chris and Emily. Him championing her, her doing the same for him. Both being respectful of each other and loving each other for everything that they individually are – embracing each other in their individuality fully. As a mom – you just can’t ask for more!!!!

Here is the part of the speech where I think I probably should give some advice on marriage – although obviously I am not the best person to be giving advice on that topic – however I do know that Choice is important in marriage. Starting with choosing the right person to spend forever with (which yall have – so good choice there)

When things get tough and they will – choose to love each other through it

When one is having a moment – choose to be kind and understanding (this one will be super relevant when you both experience menopause together – ask Dean lol)

When kids come along (and I cant wait for them to come) and the hustle and bustle of raising a family is in full swing – choose to be connected and communicate with each other and put each other first even before your kids.

When your faced with temptation – choose to be faithful, trustworthy and honest

When you want to give up – choose to be loyal and stay

When the world tells you that you need more – more stuff, more money, more more more – choose contentment, connection and family.

At least once a year – choose vacation

and this one is in honor of your poppy – In Life, no matter its circumstances – always choose to eat the cake!

I look forward to your journey through life together and I will be there alongside of you both – offering any support you need and cheering you on!!! Watching and admiring your dedication to each other and the life you are building. Everyone Raise your glasses and toast to Chris and Emily, may you love each other more every day going forward until eternity.