Saturday, August 7, 2010

A Toast To Love



Just figured I would share my toast with those of you who couldn't make it.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is indeed my honor and privilege to propose a toast to the bride and groom

For the benefit of those who don’t know me, my name is Greg Lewin.  and I have been a friend of Christopher’s for over 15 years and indeed it has been an extreme pleasure ….  Well, for him!

Over the many years I have known Chris, he has always been someone who has motivated and inspired me.  If I had to choose one word to describe him, it would be the word success because anyone who knows Chris knows that anything Chris sets out to do, gets done… and not only does it get done, but in most instances it gets done better than its ever been done before.

Case and point, Chris went away for 3 consecutive summers and came back with a Master’s degree from RPI, a highly reputable school.  He disappeared for what felt like a few months and next thing I know, he had a PhD, which I believe was the fastest period of time anybody has ever completed that program.  And those are just a few examples .. the list goes on and on

So when I hear Chris say that next on his agenda is to be a husband, I have no doubts that not only will he be successful in that role, but he very well may be one of the best we’ll ever witness in it!

They say beside every good man is a great woman, and for many of Chris’ successes, there was someone who was by his side for a good portion of the journey.   Someone who would lend an encouraging and comforting word during the difficult or discouraging times, someone who would remind him of his schedule and important meetings, someone who would run errands to the ends of the earth for him so he could focus on writing and completing projects.  Someone who has played an integral role in his success.. and it comes as no surprise that Chris would want that person by his side for the rest of their lives.... That person is none other than the beautiful bride Ebone’.

I’ve heard people say that you have to be careful when naming your children because they very well may live up to the name you give them and when I think of the word Ebony .. I think strong, beautiful, black .. and when I think of the person Ebone’, I think beautiful, strong, black woman, who is also intelligent, sweet, kind, successful, patient, and someone who is perfect for Chris in every way!
Usually when people are looking for their soul mate they look for someone who complements them….  Someone who could be the Yang to their Ying…. And when I see Chris and Ebone’ interact you can feel the love spewing out of them, and I realize that Ebone’ doesn’t just complement Chris …. She completes him!!

And so without any further ado,  please raise your glasses as I propose a toast two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one ...  To Health, To Happiness, To Prosperity, To Posterity, To Joy, To Love, To Forever!!  Cheers!