by Wilfred Bereswill
Well, sorry to say, you won't get any rants or controversy today. Father's day is winding down and another long work week is peeking over the horizon. I'm just trying to hang on until after my oldest daughter's wedding. The wedding is just three weeks away and I'm completely stuck. I'm trying to write one of the most important things I've written, the Father's Toast or Speech for the wedding reception.
The words aren't there.
I've written two, one-hundred thousand word novels, and several short stories. I know I can write. I know what I want to say, but I just can't find words to describe my feelings. Every verb seems contrived; every adjective not good or big enough. I'm so lost for words, I'd take a great adverb if I could think of one.
My future son-in-law is awesome. I couldn't have engineered and built a better guy to marry my daughter. My daughter...well, she's my first child and still seems like my little girl. She's not. She's 27 years old. I'm thrilled to death for them.
Even if I somehow manage to come up with something, I know without a doubt that I will not get through it. I mean, I'm as comfortable in front of a crowd as one can be, but not when it comes to pouring out my soul in front of 200 people who are family and friends... I mean, I cried my eyes out when I watched Marley and Me. As much as I'm looking forward to July 10th, I'm praying I get through it.
I'm sorry for not pulling together a more thought provoking blog, but I could sure use some good karma wished my way.
8 comments:
Will, this is a very thought-provoking post!
As for your toast, use what you've written here. Write about how you were stuck. That even as a writer you couldn't find adequate words. That you couldn't have engineered a better son-in-law. That's your speech right there!
Hang in there, Dad.
I so agree with Joyce....
I also think that any words you say will be so heartfelt that everyone will hear the love behind them, rather than the specific words anyway.
Will, I agree with Joyce. I think your post here is a perfect toast.
Congratulations! I can't imagine the many emotions you must be feeling right now.
Again, I ditto Joyce, "Hang in there, Dad!"
Thanks, all. Since I'm having trouble with the words, I put together an outline. Now I have my opening and welcome on paper the rest will hopefully come together.
I think the hardest thing will be getting through it.
Bless you, sweetie, you're gonna be awesome. All kinds of good karma coming your way from here, but I know you're not gonna need it. The others are right: you already said it all. Use it. And be sure to upload a video of the toast afterwards, so we all can watch it and say "I told you so!" xoxo
The thing about weddings is that women are saps and men can't stand to say good-bye to daughters. So all you have to do is get up and start talking and if a tear rolls down your cheek you'll have everyone in your pocket. They will all relate and love you even if they don't hear a word you say. Of course, I think you will have the right words because you adore this girl. And you won't speak as a writer, you will speak as a dad.
Like Carole said, no one will begrudge you a little (okay, a LOT) of emotion during this speech. You'll be terrific.
Thanks all.
I appreciate the karma. I'm going to plop my ass in a chair tonight and not get up until I have it written. (Or until I fall asleep).
Post a Comment