My Wedding Toast To My Son

During the first half of 1982 photographers focused on Diana, Princess of Wales and her pregnancy. During that same time, I wondered why they did not focus on me because I was also pregnant. It took me a while to figure out why they treated us differently. She was having a son as her first child. I was having a son as my second.

Both Diana’s son and mine grew into manhood. In November 2010, photographers focused on her child because he gave an engagement ring to the woman he loved. In that same month, my son also gave a ring to the woman he loved. This time, I didn’t care about the photographers because Facebook gave my son and his fiancée all the publicity they could handle.

I am not completely surprised that the photographers show up today. It doesn’t even matter that they are not focused on me. My son, though not born a prince has chosen to become a king. Today he has broken ground for the kingdom he will establish for him and his beautiful queen, whom I am happy to welcome into our family.

The pride I feel is no less than the pride of a royal mother. Having witnessed you my son, walk down the red carpet of honor toward the responsibility of manhood; watching you declare your vows to cherish, protect and provide for the virtuous woman you chose, my only regret is that the camera may not capture the joy in my heart.

I have complete confidence that with the united prayers of you and your wife, along with the supportive prayers of your mother, you will fulfill your duties as the husband of a godly and happy home.

Son, just let the face of your wife always be the image of love for you; and Daughter, let the face of your husband always be the image of love for you. When either of you speak or hear the word “love,” let the face of the other be the face that you see. You both know how to rely on God for the strength that it takes to follow through the commitment you made today.

Of course, when my grandchildren are born, they will share your love – not subtract from it; so the more children you have, the more love you will have for each other. Please don’t get carried away!

I love you both. You can count on my prayer that (according to the sentiments of the old wedding prayer) God will give you enough tears to keep you tender, enough hurts to keep you humane, enough of failure to keep your hands clenched tightly in His, and enough success to make you sure you belong to Him.

"When a son finds true love, a mother finds true joy." Here’s to the new couple’s joy—and mine— from this day forward!

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