So to help others with the same struggle, I am sharing my toast. It might not be good but hopefully it can help another out.
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Saturday May 30th 2009
First of all, thank you to the Watsons for this lovely dinner and evening. Everything looks marvelous and the hospitality wonderful. Also it has been a delight to get to know my fellow groomsmen over the past few weeks. Thank you all for that opportunity.
I wanted to start by saying that Jim and I have a history of building forts together. Many a sofa cushion and blanket structure existed in the basement of Jim’s first house. Perhaps our finest though was one built outside with space heaters as a private viewing room for an OSU Michigan game – one of the few victories in the dark ages known as the John Cooper era.
It is for these and many more past common experiences that I am likely here. Along with common experiences, Jim and I have been blessed with a deep friendship. As good friends do, we help to push each other to grow.
Someone in high school once phrased it this way. Jim helps me to get invited to parties and I help Jim with his homework. I am sure that given my pale complexion and dorky mannerism, this statement does not come as much of a surprise.
But I think one of the reasons people said this was because one of Jim’s many remarkable skills is that he is able to instantly connect with people of all backgrounds, temperaments, religions, bad outfits etc. But, what I always find interesting, is that coupled with this ability to instantly connect what Jim treasures and almost thrives on is having deep, fulfilling connections in his life.
It’s from this lens that I think about Jim’s college experiences. Jim enjoyed college. But, it was after Jim’s trip to Greece – with the close friendships he developed there – I could hear in his voice a greater excitement about college life than I heard before.
Then this excitement took another step – or turned to 11 perhaps for those Spinal Tap fans – when a lady from ‘skogee entered into his life.
Over the years, this love has blossomed into something mature and endearing. Something those around can both enjoy and envy.
Initially, Jim and Chelsi, given my humility, I believed that the strength of your relationship was based on how my relationship with Jim helped to form him to the man he is today. I mean, Chelsi, if you ever are feeling scared, Jim’s ability to soothe you through building a sturdy fort with sofa cushions was clearly refined under my tutelage.
But, I realize now what makes your love so strong has nothing to do with me. You are both wonderful and make each other better in different ways.
Just as he did as a bass for the Wellington choir and lacrosse team, Jim is a rock of a foundation that I am sure helps to steady Chelsi in her times of need. Chelsi, I can tell that your sincere love of those around you and God only helps to make Jim a better person and partner.It’s for these reasons why I can see Jim is in love. A love such that the same man who once drove a Suburban full of teenagers in script Ohio formation in front of the buses filled with the Ohio State football team is also willing to sing Boomer Sooner with the best of them
And it’s for these reasons why I ask you to raise a glass with me to Jim and Chelsi.
May our blessings build a fort around your peace, love, happiness for years to come.
