My Toast

It may surprise you to know that as sisters, Katherine and I took our sweet time coming into our own. We always shared a room growing up, but we weren't the kind of sisters that stayed up late at night giggling and bonding, talking about our dream boys and weddings.

No, we were the kind of sisters who put a long strip of duct tape down the middle of the room and forbid the other to cross. Katherine likes to remember the door being on my side of the tape and therefore being made to use the window in order to enter or exit...but that is a big fat lie! I will admit to dividing the room with tape, and I'll even admit to throwing a thing or two of hers violently back across....but I never made her climb through the window to enter or exit, no matter what she says!

Remembering that sibling rivalry, surprises me. Because now Katherine is #2 on my list of women I admire most in this world. (Our rockstar, selfless, crazy, beautiful, survivor times two Mother being #1) Katherine can always make me laugh, and can always bring perspective. When something great happens in my life, I want to share it with her. When something bad happens in my life, I have to share it with her. When my life is just sublimely average, sharing it with her makes it sparkle!

I'm further surprised to realize that while I may be her older sister, Katherine has taught me much about the woman I want to be. Someone who is involved in her community, in her faith, and in her relationships. Someone who attacks life with a level, well educated head and a full, compassionate heart. Someone who finds pleasure in things like hand written notes, fresh flowers, autobiographies and organic produce. Someone who is passionate about her career, her family, and her husband. Someone who is effortlessly fashion forward!

What doesn't surprise me is that Katherine fell in love with Paul. He's smart, hardworking, and his Baby Blues are ridiculously dangerous. He loves the Lord, can discuss any sport with authority, and holds his own amongst our large, loud family. My favorite thing about Paul...He carries my children on his shoulders and tirelessly plays Duck Duck Goose. My husband's favorite thing about Paul - he's competitive and wants to win. Enough to play darts until 3AM. Best out of 3, or 5, or 7...whatever it takes.

Oh Katherine, anyone less amazing than Paul would pale by your side. But luckily, last night I learned he can rock a Seersucker suit complete with a Madras Tie! So no more worrying about Paul for me. He can hold his own and probably shine just as bright while standing next to you.

What I think surprises everyone in this room tonight is that either one of you has room to improve. But it is immediately evident to anyone who bothers to pay attention that the two of you are even bigger, better, and peacefully complete when together. You complement and support each other with an ease and grace that is fun to behold.

Today is one of the biggest days of your life. I am so happy and honored to have stood by your side as you became Mr. and Mrs. Suberlak. It's my wish that you always walk hand in hand, heart to heart, beside one another. No one ever feeling out in front or left behind. It is my prayer that you view marriage as a triangle with Jesus Christ at the pinnacle and the two of you together as the foundation. It is my dream that you look back at today in 50 years and think "Wow, I thought we were in love then!" Finally, it is my hope that you both always know and feel that there is someone in your corner. For I will always be there.

The Gregg family is pretty big into our Irish heritage, so I will end with this traditional wedding blessing:

May God be with you and bless you,
May you live to see your children's children,
May you be poor in misfortune, and rich in blessings.
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

To Kate & Paul, Slainte!