My Maid Of Honour speech. To my new Sister!

Last weekend I had the very proud opportunity to be the Maid of Honour at my little brother’s wedding. I posted a few photos from the big day & our trip out to PEI yesterday.

I knew a long time ago that the women he had begun dating a few years back was the sister I never had. Now it is official.

Below is my MOH speech. I broke it up with a few pictures to help tell the story of my speech. Naturally, I teared up during a good chunk of this. As did most of the wedding party & guest. That’s the true sign of success in a wedding speech, right?!

So using the words I shared on her wedding day, here is my tribute to my beautiful new sister, Karen.

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I met Karen for the first time back in the summer of 2009. My mom told me that Bob had started seeing the girl from the island, that she was lovely and I was going to adore her. Naturally I was skeptical. I had to see for myself. I had to size up this woman had come to MY little brother’s life.

You see, being the only girl in the family of three, count ‘em, three brothers, I think I am almost as fiercely protective of all three of them, as they are of me. Almost. Without going into the gory details, I can tell you that both Bobby and I have busted people’s noses in each other’s honour.

Me, the boys and our dad on Bob’s wedding day. This is why no one messes with me

Needless to say, any women who enters my brothers’ lives best figure out quick that I’m the one to win over.

Well, what I was met with that day I met Karen, was a woman so is warm and kind with the beautiful smile and who hugged me immediately. By the end of that first bonfire, I knew I had found a new dear friend, and I secretly hoped maybe one day, a sister.

Karen & I rocking our “we had babies less than a year ago” bodies!

Over the next few years I saw so many different sides of Karen. I saw the hardworking young women who strives for what she wants in life.

Me, Karen and my Mama during my March 2011 visit to the island with Lilly.

I saw a loving women who was head over heels for my crazy baby brother…I also saw her turn him into more of a man than I would have thought possible through some of our teen years. A man I know I speak for the whole family when I say we are so proud of.

I saw her become an incredibly wonderful mother. Watched Bob transform into a father. Watched as they grew their family with two beautiful baby boys.

Big brother Movado, holding his new brother, Atreyu.

What I saw and found in Karen is so much more than just a good friend. I found a complete sister. And trust me when I say that is something I have wanted for a very long time….three brothers!

When Karen asked me to be her maid of honor I was so moved. I am so proud to have the opportunity to play such a large part of my baby brother’s special day and to stand next to his beautiful bride, my new sister.

Karen and I on her bachelorette last weekend. This crazy
lady choose ziplining as our activity! It was a blast!

Today I rest a little more easy. Today I know that the responsibility of protecting my baby brother is no longer just my mine. Today I know he’s officially in great hands.

I love you both so much. To Karen and Bob.