Words I Spoke At My Daughter's Wedding…
Marriage, and the union it symbolizes, is a sharing of two lives which respects the individuality of each partner, and by so doing also brings an equality between them. The uniqueness of each partner is to be enhanced, rather than diminished, or marginalized; it is the very strength of a good marriage.
Madeline and Jon, each of you should become a guardian to each other, ensuring that the individuality of each is allowed to deepen, and flower. As you allow this richness within each other to grow, so will your love, and the vitality of your relationship. The equality, which this brings forth, will call upon you to dream together, to plan together, and to work together. One will not live exclusively for the other, but you both will live to build a good life for each other.
Even though all of us here would like to give Jon and Madeline the gift of happiness, it is not ours to give. Your marriage will be created by the two of you. Each day, as you face your lives together, you will renew the wedding vows you make today when you act toward one another from a place of love and caring; when you consider each other's integrity and intentions; when you support each other dreams and goals, and when you keep yourselves well-acquainted with laughter and joy. When there are troubles, stand by each other as you weather the storms together.
And, so it is that you have come together, not to change each other, but to accept and appreciate each others' differences, and to elicit the best from one another.
In the years to come, as you remember this day, beyond the music, beyond even the expressions of joy and encouragement from friends and family, remember that which is fundamental about your hour of union. That you are present for each other today because you love, respect, and honor each other, and because you are committed to sharing equally in both the triumph and trials of your life together. With each of you contributing your strengths, there are few if any challenges you cannot overcome. Through this mutual sharing you will experience the true joy of togetherness.
