Ahem…

Ladies and gentleman: Thank you for being here, for coming to celebrate this wonderful occasion. It is an honor for me to be invited to share a few things with you today.

First, I feel like an introduction is in order. My name is Leslie, and my sister Heather (whom you will surely come to know if you do not already) invited me as a guest blogger. Yes, thank you for your kind applause.

My being here could be sibling obligation, on both our parts, but I hope you will not find this to be so. I think this site to be a great endeavor, and I am happy to find some way to be a part of it.

Another thing you probably should know is that my sister also invited me to post here because she thinks I do alright as a writer.

Ah, the things we take into consideration when we invite someone to speak on our behalf, to stand before a crowd and make a speech, or a toast.

Some traditions would have it that anyone may stand and toast an occasion. Others would rely on the host or hostess to do the honors. Many thoughtfully designate someone to mark the occasion with a few words or to wax eloquently at some length. Then, the particular occasion dictates the form or formality a salute might take.

In consideration of what I would say on this blog (my occasion), I was thought back to my wedding day, which occurred five years ago now. My groom and I had decided that we liked the tradition of the toast, and to be fair, we would each choose a person to “propose a toast.” I chose my best friend, Leah, who is always someone who expresses herself beautifully. My groom chose one his best friend’s from way back, Stephen, who has a degree in English and teaches Drama/Theater among other things. Really, we had a great pool of resources to draw from. And wow, they did a phenomenal job.

Everyone had gathered, the bustling hushed, and we were all woven together once again. Before, it was during the exchange of vows. Here, it was an exchange of words between friends and family. We didn’t do the unity candle, but I would find this to be a similar moment, a candle we would all contribute to by just being there, all together, quiet, if not laughing, or, like me, crying a little. The past memories, the present occasion, and the blessings on the future were shared over raised glasses.

Ah, I wished I had thought to have the speeches transcribed. I wish I could raise glasses with those friends more often.

We have glasses that we purchased especially to keep as a momento of that day. They do their job well. In retrospect, however, I should have purchased two more for those who found words to share with us all; words that reflected well on our friendships. Of course, nothing could stop me from making up that token. And then I could call them and we could raise a glass, and I could toast them in kind: To friendships changing, but persisting.

Here is my glass, raised, for this occasion: To a sister’s endeavor in helping to bring joy and ease and simplicity to those who desire their occasions to be all those things and more, and may you, Heather, have the same.

Wasn’t that nice? And I spared her, and robbed you, of those potentially embarrassing sibling stories of childhood. Well, some other time (if I’m invited for another occasion). I’ve borrowed enough of your time.