Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Father (as in paternal parent, not God) (04/10/08)
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TITLE: Beth's Wedding | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terry Walker
04/13/08 -
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Her mother asked me to give a toast from our side of the family at the reception, and I reluctantly agreed. What do I say? I decided short is the order of the day, so I’ll say something like, “Jacob welcome to the family.”
Jacob’s father was the first to give his toast, I can’t remember what he said but it was short and sweet. Next Beth’s father got up, cleared his throat and nervously said, “Jacob welcome to the family.” He got my line, think fast, what are you going to say? My wife kicked me under the table and I rose from my seat.
“Jacob, we have known you for a couple of years now and to tell the truth, we’ve never liked you. Just kidding, you are the man that her mother and I prayed for. We love your humor, your devotion to Jesus, and we see how hard working you are. Thank you for choosing our Beth.”
“Beth, what can I say? From the first day I came into your life you chose to accept me and made me feel a part of your family. I watched you grow into a very beautiful woman, but you haven’t let your outer beauty direct your life, you left that up to your inner beauty and we know that comes from your Lord. I must admit something here, I am envious of your father, I would have loved for you to be flesh of my flesh, but let me say this, I love you as if you were mine. You have found in Jacob a wonderful husband and now I’ll end with this, God’s blessings on your life together. May you be fruitful, both with children and in love.”
I sat down, embarrassed from rambling on as I did. My wife squeezed my hand and as I looked at her a tear ran down her cheek, I guess I embarrassed her too.
Afterward as the bride and groom were taking their first dance, Beth’s father walked up to me, “You know, I’ve always been envious of you. Whenever Beth came to visit she went on and on about you and what you two did together. I may have been her father, but you were her dad, and I thank you for being there for her.”
We shook hands and I told him, “Thanks, I know that wasn’t easy to say. You know, I’ve always liked you, if you weren’t my wife’s ex we’d probably be good friends.” We laughed and parted as my wife dragged me to the dance floor.
Half way through the dance, Beth cut in. As we twirled across the floor she suddenly stopped and looked up into my eyes, her’s were glistening with tears. “I am the luckiest girl. When mom and dad divorced I thought my world had come to an end. Until mom met you we cried ourselves to sleep each night. You came into our lives like a knight in shining armor and swept us away. I knew from the first day I met you that you would be my new daddy. You completed us, you made us a family again. I can’t imagine life without you having touched mine. Thank you for choosing me, and letting me into your life. When I first met Jacob, I knew he was the one I was going to marry because I saw so much of you in him.”
And that dear Beth is the greatest compliment that you could give me.
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I'd caution you against opening with a cliche (blushing bride). There are so many other ways you could describe a bride, and you want to hook your reader with something they've never read before.
I don't think you will be hanging around the beginner's section for long...
Real or not, either way you are blessed and I can't stop sobbing.
Can't wait to see who this is.
Beautifully written, I could actually hear the father speaking speaking throughout. Well done, very well done indeed.
This was very touching. I like the take on the topic to use a stepdad.'
I thought the speech a little elequent for impromtu, but not totally unrealistic.
The rivalry between the two dads was well-written.
Thank you for sharing this with us, it is extremely touching and real. Thank you for portraying the "Dad" that Christ calls us to be.
Take care and once again congratulations, your EC listing is very well deserved.
This is an amazing piece of writing, all the more so for being submitted from level 1.
And now I know just what to say at her wedding (some 30 years from now).