***
Hello
everyone. For those who don’t know me, I am Alissa, and Jeff is my
little brother. I’ve known him for his whole life. Josie, I’ve
known since college at Towson. It’s funny. People who live in The
County always talk about how small it is and everyone knows everyone.
So it’s funny ironic Jeff and Josie grew up two miles from each
other, went to the same high school for three years, and never met
until they went 100 miles away to Towson. Think of how many times
their paths must have crossed, and they never knew!**
The
first time I met Josie was in our friend Lacey's dorm room at Towson.
Josie was wearing her workout gear and I think had either just come
from or was heading to the gym. The first thought I had about her
was, “wow, who is this dedicated- and crazy- college freshman who
still has time and motivation to hit the gym?” After that, we
became friends, and Jeff and Josie met, and then Josie was a regular
in our lives.
Josie
has been a great friend to me since that day I met her in her workout
gear. She is supportive and sweet, but she also always tells you
exactly how it is. She has there and supported me through the most
important events in my life so far- when I first met my husband, she
was there giving him high fives. When we got engaged, she knew about
it and helped plan it. And, side note, Josie is so surprising and
she always keeps you guessing- could you tell by looking at her that
this girl just looooooves the transformers movies? So much so that I
now associate transformers with my own relationship because she
convinced the group to go see transformers 2 on the day Scott
proposed to me. I don’t think I will ever forgive her for that.
Jeff is
my little brother, and we have always been very close- he really is
one of my best friends. And while I’m still not quite sure how he
managed to reel Josie in, I’m glad he did because you two couldn’t
be more perfect each other. The fact that two of the most important
and valuable people in my life are together in love fills me with
happiness. You’re perfect for each other, and I’m not just
saying that because I’m biased in both directions. Having Josie in
his life has, how should I say this, “calmed him down.” He
dresses nicer. He’s more clean-shaven. He's no longer nocturnal. And honestly, I think she
has made him a better brother. And he’s been great for her, too.
He’s a very loyal and supportive person, and always steps directly
onto the plate when duty calls. I know that Josie will never want
for anything, as long as Jeff is around.
My mom
and I were talking the other day and she offhandedly mentioned, “you
know, you always said you wanted a sister.” And I always have.
Sorry, Jeff. But putting you in drag doesn’t really count. Josie,
you’re everything I could ever want for my brother, and everything
I could ever want in a sister.
Jeff, I
am so proud of you. I never imagined that my crazy baby brother could
clean up so nicely. I love both of you so much. Separately, you are
two special and remarkable people, but together you are complete. I
wish you all the happiness in the world in your future together, and
lots of little nieces and nephews for me to spoil.
I’d
like to end my toast with a quote from one of the most highly
regarded and groundbreaking television series of our time- Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. “When I say, 'I love you,' it's not because I want
you or because I can't have you. It has nothing to do with me. I love
what you are, what you do, how you try. I've seen your kindness and
your strength. I've seen the best and the worst of you. And I
understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are. You're a hell
of a woman. You're the one.” Thanks everyone, and congratulations
J squared.
**This part was glazed over and improvised, as it was stated during the wedding ceremony
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