MOH
18 Oct
Yesterday, from where I sat, as the matron of honor, was perfect. The ceremony was wonderful (even though I stepped on the train). Running around Canton between the ceremony and the reception to take quintessential Canton pictures was amazing (even in the cold). And the reception was SO MUCH FUN (no parenthetical needed).
Here, I want to share the speech I gave for Marcy. It took me months to write and it felt good to deliver it to Marcy on her special day.
MOH Speech
First, I just want to thank Marcy’s family for this beautiful event. As, I’m sure Todd has come to find out, Marcy’s family is wonderful and welcoming and, well, honestly, it makes me a little jealous sometimes. Barb and Marty have always welcomed me as their second daughter. Barb, who Marcy and I lovingly call super mom, who always has a coupon for everything and knows the fastest way to get between any two points in the state of Ohio. And, Marty, well… what can I say Marty? I love to joke with you and you always make me laugh. Marcy has certainly been blessed.
When Marcy and I first met, we were gangly, sweet 15-year-old girls with braces and big smiles. We met in Art class where we chatted and laughed and created terrible works of art that horrified Mrs. Zaler. We were different, but complemented one another well. Where Marcy was punctual, I was late; where Marcy remembered, I forgot; where Marcy was socially appropriate, I was… not. Despite my carelessness though, Marcy loved me for me and opened my eyes to how to be a loyal friend. She sent me cards on my birthday, she remembered to call me when I took my driver’s test, she humored me and my goofy stories and crazy ideas. Thankfully, Todd didn’t need quite as much work.
Over our high school years, we flung secret notes to each other in study hall, we developed a secret code to name our crushes, we had a secret party when Barb and Marty went on vacation. In short, we had adventures. My favorite story from high school, though, was when Marcy was going on her first date, with Mike Dentler. And, when Mike came to pick Marcy up, there I was. And when Marcy sat in the front seat, I sat in the back. And when Mike brought Marcy over to hang out in his basement, there I sat. Three peas in a pod we were. And, don’t worry Todd, I made sure nothing happened.
But, then we grew up and went off to college and began to have new friends, new lives. We had more adventures, most that involved the state of Texas, but Canton and Central, though always in our hearts, were left behind. Sadly, I didn’t get to ride in the backseat on Marcy and Todd’s first date, but when I met him for the first time, I was impressed. He was nice and cute and so… normal. I don’t know how else to explain it, but Todd just felt like a guy I had known forever and when Marcy told me the story of how he arranged to surprise her with gifts before her first marathon, I was sold. I knew he was the one.
As some of you know, I am a married woman, hence the matronly title of matron of honor. And since I possess this esteemed title, I feel that I should give the bride and groom some advice. Todd, you may know this already, but Marcy does not take any crap. She is an efficient machine, just like her mom, so when in doubt, step aside. Also Todd (this one is for you too) don’t leave your whiskers all over the sink in the bathroom. Ew, I hate that. Oh, and drive her everywhere, and keep surprising her. Do it because she deserves it, but also because one of Marcy’s best traits is that she is fiercely loyal and you can be sure that she will never leave your side. And Marcy, this one’s for you… just let him make a few decisions. Just a few. That’s it. But, it’s hard to do, trust me. And then, don’t remind him when he inevitably makes the wrong decision. That’s hard too.
But seriously, my wish for you both, and I wish this with all my heart, is that you love each other joyfully and unconditionally and that you never stop having fun… and that you make beautiful babies, sometime around the time that Dan and I start to make babies. I love you Mrs. Thornicroft! Here’s to the happy couple!
