Maid of Honor speech

Ladies and Gentleman,
If I could have your attention please. I know I’ve already had my chance to speak once today, but I’m wearing a few different hats so I humbly request you allow me just a few more words. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ed’s former roomie, and long-time friend. But much more importantly, I am this beautiful, vivacious bride’s baby sister.

 Donna and I did not grow up together chronologically. Our family was not blessed to have had the chance to watch Donna take her first steps as a toddler, but we were blessed to cheer her on through every college semester. There were many times she could have walked away defeated, but that isn’t her style. Words don’t express how proud of her I am.

We didn’t get to hear her speak her first words. But we have been blessed by 20 years of encouragement, devotion and unconditional love spoken from her mouth. I do not know another human as selfless to the people she loves.

She has nursed me through no less than 3 broken hearts, countless hangovers, dental surgery, school decisions, and everything in between. This lady right here, has been there for me with love, and laughter in a way that only a big sister can be. She has been at my side, had my back, and more than once given me the shove that got me going in the right direction.

           

            I’d be remiss if I did not mention the man at her side. When I first moved to the metro area, I often found myself sitting next to my roomie with some Yuenglings, eating sausages, laughing and thinking “Man, I wish I knew a woman for Ed”. Funny how life works.

            I think we’d lived together about a year when I came home one day, rummaging through the kitchen before going away again when Ed said “I’m taking your sister to a baseball game.” Having been sufficiently informed on the situation ahead of time, I said “Oh yea? Are you taking my sister to a baseball game, or are you taking my sister to a baseball game?” To which he replied it was “probably the second one.”

From that day forward I never doubted for a second that they would end up here. He is the yang to her yin. She is the fiddle to his bow. And to this, I can say only three words. Raise Glass Donna, Ed- Check. Check. Mate.