I brought these rocks to Molly & Brian’s wedding because every rock is unique and separate in itself and every relationship is unique. You can put rocks like these close together, but one never needs another to exist and to do rock things.
Molly and Brian are unique and separate too. You are each totally complete and independent as an individual.
Molly is a total klutz on the ground and can’t walk on flat ground without falling but she climbs like a goddess. Last time I climbed with Molly she tripped 3 times on the way to the base, dropped her water, tangled her ropes then climbed Eagle Peak solo in 42 minutes.
Brian is totally competent at everything he tries but can drink shots of really good tequila until sunrise. Last time I hung out with Brian at the Quarry Bar he told old knock knock jokes until I fell off my chair laughing.
When I first met you as a couple, I was so impressed by your independence from each other and by the way you respect each other without judgment or criticism. When you negotiate decisions you each really listen to your partner. It feels good to be around you whether you are apart or together.
Plus, you are really really really fun to be with. You are the goofiest , nuttiest people I have ever known. Whether we are climbing, bouldering, surfing, biking, running or just hanging out, I’m laughing the whole time. There is nothing you won’t try and you leap into everything you try with crazy enthusiasm. Now you’ve finally decided to get married.
I totally approve.
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| When Peter and Petra invited me to be their best man and to give a
toast, I thought they asked me to talk about pathos. I thought that was
a little weird, but I began trying to relate their wedding to Aristotle's
musings on misery and suffering. Luckily Peter corrected me and asked
me to talk about paths which-Robert Frost cliches aside-is a little easier
and more on point.
Peter and Petra chose to walk together as partners many years
ago. Today they are choosing to share their partnership
with us and the world. Life's path is a series of posted directions,
blind turns, fences, stiles, and no trespassing signs. Each choice
entails countless possible results. Finding a person you want to share
your life with comes from a mix of serendipity, proximity, random
chance, intentional acts and blind luck. If Peter or Petra had smiled
back at the person in the bookstore, had that 4th glass of wine, if
the condom had broken or if they had skipped that dinner party- they
might not be standing in front of us today.
Peter and Petra's wedding is not a destination. It is a celebration
of their relationship both before and after this party
It is a decision to stop as they travel together and
ask all of us here to participate in and acknowledge the public and
legal commitment they have made to each other.
Each of Petra and Peter's friends and relations here probably sees
marriage differently-from a spiritual fusion to a civil contract to a
union blessed by a deity or by the Christian coalition. No matter what
we call their choice, I know we all share in their joy in each other
and are honored that they have chosen us to join them at this waypoint
to bear witness to their love and commitment.
Thus, I ask you to raise your glasses and voices to congratulate and
celebrate Peter and Petra as they walk together.
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