The week before
It’s May 5th. My daughter is about to get married this weekend. I have to give the Father of the Bride Speech. I’m in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. In a small Airbnb with the fan steadily pulsating back and forth generating a breeze for me every 30 seconds. It’s been over 6 months since my last PSA test. I’m anxious to take again but didn’t want any bad news before my daughter’s wedding. I wouldn’t want to ruin her day. So, I wait and hope the news is good when all of this is over.
My wife and I came to Puerto Rico early. Why? We wanted the time to ourselves to enjoy the weather and each other. These days are never enough and always treasured. My cousin came early with her husband, and we’ve been making a mini vacation out of it. We went to El Yunque and Vieques over this past weekend and it’s been so rewarding and relaxing. We are now setting our sites on the wedding, as she is on her way here and we are so happy and excited for how her life continues to unfold.
I’ve thought about this speech for my daughter for some time and what it means to me. I want it to be special but not long. I want it to be meaningful but not mushy. I want it out of anything else to mean to her what it means to me. My daughter is such a unique, caring and open person. She accepts without judgement and wants to be happy. I want that for her more than anyone else. So now how do I capture that in a speech?
She’s been with her boyfriend/husband for close to 7 years. This is something she has thought about for some time. Is this the right person? Is she doing the right thing? Always questioning her understanding of the bond she has with him and whether they should move forward. After a while life needs to move on and she’s decided that this relationship is it for the next chapter of her life. She’s looking forward to raising a family and sharing that experience with everyone. No doubt they will be wonderful parents.
The Father of the Bride Speech
Ok so now let’s capture the essence of this into a speech. Let’s thank everyone for being here and say something light and funny. Let’s praise each of them for making this momentous decision. And let’s have a toast to good love and good fortune. So here is the Father of the Bride Speech.
Good evening everyone.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Becca’s father Chip. My wife Christina and I would like to thank you all coming here to celebrate this wonderful occasion.
From the day Becca was born. Some 31 years ago. I thought a lot back then of what her life would be. But never could I have imagined someone so beautiful a person as who she is. I lived my life waiting for the day to share this moment and the love I have for my daughter with all of you.
Sometimes when I talk to Becca on the phone she would say. Dad why did you make me like that? Why did you give me that trait? For instance Becca and I are very absent minded.
For instance the time on one of her first days at work when she locked her keys in her car and she called me to see what to do.
Or just a month ago when I woke up at 4 in the morning to take the 45 min ride to take her to the airport and on my way home after dropping her off she said she left her work laptop at the house if I can fo home and bring back before her flight took off. Ok let's stop talking about all the bad traits I gave her...
Lets talk about Becca's good or possibly best traits that make her uniquely her.
For one her intelligence. My daughter the doctor with a PhD. The first in our family. what a proud day it was for us when she invited us to her dissertation presentation. I don't know that trat comes from me but id like to think it does :)
Her big heart. I know she gets from my wife the Nicu nurse.
And last her openness to everything and everyone. A testament to both our families and the people here today.
Becca is the oldest sibling to her two younger brothers—Joseph and Charles. My boys always say Becca is the favorite. This is so not true but maybe tonight just a little bit.
So up at the University of Maryland, Becca meets Abi—and everything changes. She not only establishes a relationship like no other with Abi but also with so many others who we celebrate with here tonight. From childhood friends to the strong knit relationships she's made there.
Abi, thank you for loving my daughter to be her support and rock to help her become strong in your love for each other. When I look at your relationship with your family and the strong bond between you all. I know Becca is in good hands. Thank you for welcoming us into your family and to Puerto Rico.
Abi thank you for waiting for her. I know that she struggled with the commitment of marriage and she made you wait. I'd like to explain maybe why she did that.
I'd like to introduce Becca's extended family...
When I think of Puerto Rico. I think of tradition, God and family.
So here is to Puerto Rico. The US is lucky to have your traditions and heritage as of part of who we are.
Here is to God. Thank you for this beautiful night amongst family and friends. Thank you for letting me be here to celebrate this love with all of you.
And here is to family. Here is to two families becoming one.
So please, raise your glasses.
Para Becca y Abi, amor y familia como una
¡Salud!
The Wedding
So it’s the 16th of May. The wedding concluded last weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony. It was a beautiful time. The week seemed to zoom by. In the end I realized I was just one part of a beautiful day. That I will always cherish. My wife captured the speech and I’ve attached. A couple of hiccups and changes I provided based on my wife’s coaching.
My PSA Test
I took my blood test on Friday. I got the results last night. I’m afraid to check them. I’m afraid of what they might say. I told myself I’ll wait until Monday when my wife gets off in the morning. If the results are not what I want I intend to take a sick day to determine next steps and consult my physician or urologist. I didn’t want to face bad news during the weekend and not be able to address. I hope my concerns are for naught and Monday is just another day… [fingers crossed]
