At the rehearsal dinner of my youngest daughter's wedding I was asked by the father of the groom to offer a toast to the wedding couple.
I took the opportunity to offer a sentiment not only to my youngest daughter but to all of my children. I have been asked by several people for a copy of the toast.
While I did not prepare anything beforehand (the words came from my heart) I am willing to memorialize the toast here (as best I can recall it) for those who have asked.
The toast:
"As parents, we all do what we can to build character and strength in our children. It has been said that there are only two things we really bequeath to our children, one is roots and the other, wings.
We try to give them roots from our shared generational memories, life experiences and family ties. As they grow, they develop wings from our example and through our shared experiences and knowledge. As they soar, we hope they will become Eagles in that flight and find other Eagles like themselves. It is through that discovery that pray that they associate with and find mates in that rarified atmosphere.
There are three pillars to the foundation of a lifelong relationship. Those pillars are Faith, Commitment and Love.
The love between a man and a woman transcends other forms of expression and reach deeply in to every part of us in a life relationship. This may not happen overnight but day by day through trust and sharing of ourselves, becomes stronger and deeper.
Commitment goes beyond a promise and extends to a total sharing of oneself to the point that two actually become one in thought, action and feeling.
Faith is essential. Faith not only in each other's commitment and love but also a strong faith in a Creator. This should be (in my humble opinion) the center of the relationship. Without it, overcoming the trials and tribulations (which WILL come) is very difficult, if not impossible.
Reaching back to my Irish roots, I offer this Irish blessing:
"May the warmth of the sun be on your face, the winds be at your back and the Good Lord hold you in the palm of his hand forever, Amen."