It was requested for me to post my Matron of Honor toast in a blog post. I wasn't going to post it, but I feel like it is a good summary of my feelings, a good memory of the wedding day, and a good conclusion to this series.
So, here it is:
"The Man for Lauren
As Lauren’s older sister, I have always felt an underlying responsibility to ensure her safety. I got my first taste of this feeling when we were on a vacation when we were in middle school. Our family had decided to do something fun and different, and we were going to go for a parasail ride in Panama City Beach.
As the boat revved up, we were lifted up into the air higher and higher into the sky. For several minutes, we were able to see several miles of the coast, waves crashing below, and the blue sky off into the horizon.
In the middle part of the parasail ride, the boat was going to slow down a bit, and dip our feet into the water. Long story short, our parachute, the ropes attaching us to the parasail, and our entire bodies were submerged under the ocean water.
I quickly untangled the ropes above my head and pushed back up to the surface, yet Lauren was still under the water. Luckily, she was connected directly in front of me, so I knew where she would be. I pulled up her lifejacket. Up popped her lifejacket, but no Lauren. Frantically, I pulled waved my arms beneath the water until I felt her and pulled her up.
Like any 10 or 11 year old would be after a traumatic event like this would be, she was obviously crying. I asked her if she was ok. “NO!...” she cried. When I asked her what was wrong, she exclaimed, “I lost my sunglasses!....” I just laughed.
Eventually, the parachute was pulled back onto the boat, the ropes were collected, and we were safe with our parents again.
THEN, like any sane person, we tried it again. And, it was great!
Although, this happened several years ago, it’s still pretty vivid in my memory, and a pivotal point in my life. It was the first time that I realized how much I cared what happens to Lauren. Whether it was subconsciously “protecting” her with my arm during white-water rafting, or telling off some friends who who were being mean to her in Disney World, or listening and giving her advice about boys, I’ve felt a responsibility to keep her safe (to some degree). So, when Blake came into the picture, it was only fitting to analyze him. After all, a man for Lauren has to meet specific criteria!
Criteria #1: The man for Lauren has to be someone who will go on adventures. When you get the chance to go on a parasail ride, take it! Don’t be afraid to have a new experience, do new things, and visit new places! Considering they’ve already traveled to at least 7 states together so far, I’d say they have this covered!
Criteria #2: The man for Lauren has to desire to see the world and appreciate God’s creation! See all the coastlines you can, watch the waves crash, and stare off into the horizon! More importantly, he needs to love God and love people. I have seen Blake’s compassion for people, and specifically his students. He and Lauren could not be more perfect for each other, in this way.
Criteria #3: The man for Lauren has to protect her always. When the ropes get tangled, set her free. When it gets hard to breathe, give her new wind. If you’ve ever met Blake, you know that his patience and understanding is unbelievable at times. He’s consistent and he’s steady, which will be perfect for Lauren.
Criteria #4: The man for Lauren has to have a sense of humor. When the sunglasses get lost, listen and sympathize, then you can laugh together. And trust me, there will be a lot of laughter, because Lauren will say a lot of hilarious stuff, whether she means to or not. So far, it seems that Blake is just as silly as she is.
Criteria #5: The man for Lauren has to be determined. If the the first parasail ride is a disaster, be crazy and do it again… ok, bad example. But seriously, if at first you don’t succeed, try again. Nathan and I only have one year of experience, but I can tell you that marriage takes not only love, but also determination!
In short, Blake has met all of my criteria for the husband of my only sister. I am so happy for them, and I could not be more excited to see their relationship grow as the years go on.
Here’s to the Lam Fam."
Thank you everyone who has read the posts in this series! It has been fun to write. If you would like to start from the beginning, follow this link.
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