Dad's birthday month contribution

from Evan's wedding speech to Jamie:

On this wonderful day in your life

I take this time with my wife

to present to you this bio

on our little girl from Chatham  Ohio.

Your 1981 birth was a very special day.

Newly christened parents, we trusted  God to show the way.

There are memories that will always be with us

Like the first time you stepped on the school bus.

Growing up watching Wizard of Oz and Little House on the Prairie

Finding Easter baskets and money from the Tooth Fairy.

You really were quite graceful you know

Dancing to Raffi’s Eight Piggies in a row.

Playing softball and soccer in the yard

I know trying to beat me was very hard.

Your play was really not that bad

And eventually you were just too quick for Dad.

Being Captain of your high school soccer team

You made Mom and Dad really beam.

The vacations and camping and outdoors you so liked

Especially the trails that we hiked and hiked

Trying on homecoming, prom and  wedding dresses

Your beauty always really impresses.

You are a wonderful sister to Sierra, Nikki and Mike

And you and Matt will be wonderful parents when you have your own little Tike.

Graduating from high school and college- what an accomplishment!

Then home to settle in for the great job hunt.

Week after week the want ads you kept your eyes on

And you were worried when nothing seemed on the horizon.

Then, a lucky break through a connection at O U:

There was a small company in Georgia, and a phone interview.

A connection was made with some guy named Hilley

Yet without knowing anyone, it seemed kind of silly

To accept a job so far away,

To take a leap of faith to Atlanta, G-A

But you took the leap, and we loaded up the trailer

And headed to Dixie with no thought of failure.

Of course, the truck broke a hose and overheated on the freeway

But thanks to your help and Walmart’s, we fixed it and drove straight to LEJ.

You made many friends and fit right in with Pitch, Hit and Run

And then you met a man named Matt, who has become our second son.

With his unwavering support, you became an attorney

And now together begin this new journey.

We’re grateful for  roommates whose households they shared.

Laura and Marin, it eased our minds knowing Jamie was with people who cared.

And we’re grateful for new friends: Paula, Stephen, Allison, Sandy, and Dan

Who, with this display of poetry, are probably saying “MAN OH MAN.”

So we will wrap up this sonnet, with 2 final lines on it:

We wish you great joy on this your wedding day; now let’s get down and partaayy!!!

*Another memory that Dad loves from a Toronto ball game:  "I never sat through the whole 8 innings before."

        "Keep it classy, San Diego."

(or San Jose or San Francisco or Los Gatos)