Why Can't the Bride Give a Toast? Chapter 11; Coco's Journey

By Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor 

The Journey of Ovarian Cancer, Life with Cancer

Just under a hundred people filled the room. She gazed around the banquet hall; all the people Coco loved were here—some coming from as far as a thousand miles away. Her daughter Kate looked exquisitely beautiful in her red and white cocktail dress. And the smile decorating her face—nothing short of genuine—reflecting a glorious version of happiness. She wasn’t certain if she had ever seen her daughter so joyful in all of her days.

The salmon was cooked to perfection. And the dessert—positively decadent. But the blessing? There was no lingering pain or nausea quashing the night. The thought of cancer had passed from the forefront of her brain—even if for a moment.

As she was talking with the mother of the groom over a chocolate tart, she heard the clicking of the glass. Turning, she realized, her husband was kicking off the toasts. He had somehow snuck to the podium without her knowledge. When he began to talk, his words were mesmerizing, and captivating. The stories flowing from his lips were as a treasure in her heart, spoken of their only daughter. So many beautiful details of her younger years were resurrected—as a child, as a teenager, and now as an adult. There was no greater culmination she could have had that night, watching her daughter as they shared the special family moment. She place her hands over her heart.

Thirty minutes into the toasts, Coco rotated around to say something to a friend. When she turned back, Kate had unexpectedly stood and walked off towards the podium. What are you doing? A soft undertone of voices buzzed the room until she tapped the microphone.

Kate held her hand up to quiet the room. “I know what you’re asking... What is Kate doing up at the podium?” She swept her bangs from her eyes. ”Have you never seen the bride at the podium?” smiling. “Well if it makes you feel better, I haven’t either. Perhaps it is a breach of protocol. And please, please, do not tell Emily Post that I did this… But sometimes you just have to do something unexpected to keep the world guessing, and the only way to make that happen is to stand up and take over this stage. So that’s what I’m doing… And it’s my party and I’ll do that if I want to.”

Then she turned towards her mother.

“Weddings are obviously all about the couple—or maybe all about the bride. And since this is Jeff's and my night, I wanted to do something a little different,” and then her voice cracked. “Mom, I know you are probably going to be mad at me for doing this, but it is important to me.” Kate reached up and wiped her right eye. “Four months ago next week, my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. And I just want to say what an amazing woman she has been through all of this. Her diagnosis came just when we were in the midst of planning everything—every event, every meal, every invitation. And I know she has struggled with fatigue and nausea. But you would never know that. She stayed fully by my side in all of the planning and work and missed very few beats.

"I have learned a lot from just watching her. Things I should have learned as a child, but I was probably too stubborn to listen. But I am learning them now, Mom," she said connecting her eyes to her mother's. "I have learned how she is so amazing even in this time of suffering. And I know I will never be as polished in life as she is, but I want to try. She is presently teaching me the art of placing other people first, even in the midst of her cancer. I have learned how to be strong when that screams impossible. I could stand here at this podium and name fifty thousand tidbits that I have come to observe over the last four months—and even now, even tonight, but I won’t do that.

“Jeff and I talked about this and decided we wanted to share the spotlight of this night with my mom, not to take away from anyone else in this room, mind you. Because all of you are important to us--Jeff's parents especially and my loving father. But bear with us just a moment. My mom has given me her all from the time I was born, up until this night. And I wanted to focus on her spiritual gifts to me given her circumstances… She is truly my hero. She always was, and she is especially now. She is a true inspiration and an example of life. They could write a book on you, Mom,” she said pointing at her mother.

“So, thank you for all you have given me—and I am not talking about things. Thank you for giving me time, for giving me an example, for loving me when, I know at times, it has been probably very hard. And I want you to know now in front of all these witnesses, that I will give back to you, whatever is needed as you travel down this road,” Kate said hesitating, tipping her head down. “My prayer is that you will win this battle. But whatever the outcome is, I will never leave you alone. Thank you Mom for everything. Thank you Dad for loving us. Thank you Mr. and Mrs Milliken for giving me your son Jeff.” With that she raised her glass. “To my mom. I love you.”

Why Can't the Bride Give a Toast? Chapter 11; Coco's Journey, Larry Puls, (Click to Tweet)

Don't Miss the Previous Chapters
CoCo's Journey, Chapters 1-10