My second sister, Anita, got married recently. It was a beautiful celebration. There was so much joy at every event leading up to the final marriage ceremony. I remember looking around as we set up with her friends for her surprise bridal shower and just basking in the love in the room from the thirty something women who had flown from all over the world to felicitate with Anita. The laughter at the traditional wedding as the bride danced her way around, beaded wrapper blinking in the sun, the joy on the face of my parents as the couple exchanged vows, beautiful. Although I had to tease my daddy after, he looked overjoyed to be sending off his original Wahala Baby to cause palaver in another man’s obi. LOL, Anita I’m joking oh! The festivities ended with a fantastic white wedding reception. Glass walkway with white flowers blooming underneath, crystals falling from the ceiling, gold seats and marble serpentine tables, door to stage, the décor was stunning. The ceremony was even more beautiful and I got a chance to give a toast celebrating the couple. I struggled to find the exact words to share, starting and stopping several times. Inspiration finally found me sitting in mounting anxiety, at the church as the vows were exchanged.

I wrote:

A wedding celebration is very special,

Small or big,

Because it means that out of 7 billion

People in the world,

The two people on this stage have somehow

In spite of obstacles, experiences, frustrations,

Found their perfect complement.

And that’s true about Anita and Gabriel.

They are both passionate,

They are both stubborn,

But they have a unique understanding of each other.

Which is all you can truly ask for in another person:

Understanding and empathy.

I’m so happy to stand here,

Celebrating my oldest friend,

My sister Anita.

Anita and I are very different

BUT she’s my longest friendship,

And one person that I know is always in my corner,

Rooting for me in her unique way.

Anita,

I’m so excited you get to build your home

With your best friend, Gabriel.

And Gabriel,

I’m very happy to have a brother in our home.

The Angel Gabriel is God’s messenger,

The one who has the ear of God

And who is directed to do God’s will.

Gabriel, you’ve always been a part of our family,

We are simply welcoming you home publicly today.

I know like Angel Gabriel,

You will have the ear of God,

Listen to His will

And deal with my sister, and your family,

With wisdom and kindness.

May God bless and keep your home.

I pray your marriage is full of laughter,

Peace and true joy.

I’ll leave you with the best bit of marriage advice I know,

Be kind to each other, always.

 

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