Butterflies and Hot Tea

So I married my sister last weekend.  And oddly enough, though my heart is full to bursting, it’s hard to think of words to say about it.  I made a toast at the reception and forgot most of what I had planned to say.  I guess it’s hard because words don’t do justice to what it felt like to be a part of Amy’s wedding day in that particular way.  Words don’t do justice to the incredible relationship I have with my sister.  Words don’t do justice to how proud I am of her, how amazed I am by who she is, and how deeply joyful I am that she has found the one she loves.  This was the tenth wedding I have officiated – a nice round number.  And the hardest.  And that, perhaps is the most difficult thing to explain – the most difficult thing to find words for.  Why was it hard?  I love my sister.  I love my new brother-in-law.  There was no weepy feeling of, “Aw, she’s all grown up now.”  She’s been grown up for quite some time.  I wasn’t losing anything or anyone.  She didn’t move, so she’s no farther away from me now than she was.  It was a bit difficult during parts of the ceremony to keep my composure.  But even that doesn’t seem like what made it hard.  Maybe hard isn’t quite the right word.  It felt weighty.  Not in a pressure-filled, “I must get this right” kind of way.  Just weighty.  It was the most important wedding I have ever officiated.  And one of the proudest moments of my entire life.  It left me tired – and very, very, very happy.

I love you, Amy.  I’m so thankful that you are my sister.

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