A speech I wrote in the shower after attending a wedding. I was too emotional at the reception to say anything. I’ve changed the names:

Hello everyone, I’m one of Susie’s friends. Here is a brief story. Susie and Alex’s first date was for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I had arranged to call her exactly one hour in to check on how it was going. Which I did. I could see her location but still asked where she was and if she felt safe or was planning on relocating. She said, and I quote, “I don’t think this man is going to murder me.” I still remember the sound of her voice – she was so happy and laughing, clearly having a good time. Since day one, Alex has been a safe and supportive space for Susie.

Many months into their relationship, after getting to know him a bit, I revealed to Alex that I was the person who called on their first date. He remembers this and said it was a green flag for him – that Susie has people who care about her.

It’s been amazing to see how much he cares not just about her interests and her life but also the lives of her friends. I have appreciated how they have opened their home to me this last year for holidays and when I was dealing with some hard things. They don’t know how much it’s meant to me. They’ve been a safe place for me as well.

Whenever I visit their apartment and Susie leaves the room, Alex says to me with this serious look, “I love her so much”.

Alex, we don’t know where life will take you, but wherever you are she is home.

Cheers. 🥂