Sometimes Change is Good

Public speaking has never been my forte.  However, as Sister of the Bride and Matron of Honor, I was expected (and wanted) to say something at Allison and Alan's rehearsal dinner.  I did not want to let this moment go by without letting them know how much they mean to me, both as individuals and as a couple.  Therefore, in true procrastinator fashion, I sat down late the Thursday night before to write something (ANYTHING!?!?) down.  I had been postponing this appointment with a piece of paper, a pencil, and my brain for a long time, because I knew it would be so difficult to formulate a speech.  Where would I start?!  Well, this poem just came to me.  It took only a few hours, I was happy, and I went to bed.  :)  So, I would like to share with you my toast to Allison and Alan...

Sometimes Change is Good

I’ve never been a fan of change, 

but sometimes change is good.

There are changes I would not reverse 

even if I could.

One of the first times 

I experienced a change,

my mom and dad explained

 that life would never be the same.

There was another baby 

who would be here any day;

someone with whom I would learn 

to laugh, and share and play.

The thing that made me happiest

 about this change to be

was that this new baby 

would be little girl, like me.

The first moment I saw her 

and put a sweet face with her name,

somehow, something told me 

life would never be the same.

This was certainly a big change, 

and that I understood,

but now I can assure you 

that sometimes change is good.

Allison, you’re one of the best gifts 

I’ve ever received.

For you’re more than a sister; 

you’re a best friend to me.

We’ve shared so many memories 

and fun times I can recall

that it would impossible 

to recite them all.

From being tennis partners, 

practicing together night and day,

to riding in the pink go-cart,

 which didn’t go your way.

And falling asleep 

with my arm ‘round you each night,

because you couldn’t fall asleep

 unless I held you tight.

From all of your “knock knock” jokes 

that brought so many smiles,

to our lovely jogs together – 

oh how many miles!?

From our childhood days, 

when we learned to dream so far,

to where we are today,

 now that those dreams are who we are.

You’ve given me laughter 

when all I could feel is pain.

You have made the sun shine 

when all I could see was rain.

You are the wind beneath my wings 

when success is near.

I am who I am today

 because God placed you here.

So, I will thank Him every day 

for sending you to me.

I guess he knew without you, 

just how lost I would be.

Yes, there are changes I would not reverse 

even if I could.

I’ve never been a fan of change, 

but sometimes change is good.

Another change I experienced 

a few years down the road

was the entrance into medical school, 

a hard task I’d been told.

I prayed to find a friendship 

somewhere along the way

that would make this long journey

 a little easier, per se.

Alan was so much more 

than an answer to my prayer.

I would not have gotten through

 the past 4 years without him there.

For we all know that no matter

 how many a problem,

if Alan is around, 

he is gonna solve ‘em.

I can’t count the times he’s said to me,

 “It’s going to be okay.”

I just know that coming from him, 

I felt like it just may.

Alan, every day from now own 

will be like any other.

For from the moment we first met, 

you have been just like a brother.

I am thankful for our friendship, 

and I know you are as well.

For if you hadn’t met me,

 there’d be no wedding bells! 

I prayed Allison would find someone 

who’d love her like you do,

so medical school was worth it, 

for it led her straight to you.

Yes, there are changes I would not reverse 

even if I could.

I’ve never been a fan of change, 

but sometimes change is good.

Allison and Alan, you are about to enter 

a major change in life.

For in less than a day from now, 

you’ll be husband and wife!

My prayer is that your love will grow

as the years go by,

and that your source of strength will come 

from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember as you say, “I do,” 

and make the transition from two to one,

that this is something God 

never wants to be undone.

Yes, there are changes He would not reverse 

even though He could.

I’ve never been a fan of change, 

but sometimes change is good.

Allison, with all of this said, 

please know some things never change.

You may be getting married, 

and you may change you name.

But, you’ll still be my sister,

and you’ll still be my best friend.

I will always love you 

with a love that will not end.