We are all gifts waiting to be opened. That’s what we are. The whole of humanity, each individual is a gift. And here’s the thing. I think I am happy because I know what my gifts are. I even know how to share my gifts. But to be the best gift I can be, I needed to be taught a few things along the way. I needed to know who to turn to when the storms raged through, and where to take the garbage, and left-overs after the storm. Or the Lobster Party. Either way. I needed to know who to go to to get what needed to be done…done. When Ed said talk to Fred, you did. Because Ed said. That’s how it was. Not lots of words. Just a smirk, and a nod. And sometimes extra cash.

The first time I met my father-in-law, Ed, I knew I was safe. He wasn’t carrying a rifle, and did not appear to be a part of a cult of crazy. No, he seemed safe. Like a bouncing buoy in the harbor, showing you where to go. Bobbing up and down, rolling with the waves of emotion and yet, staying true to his mission and calling and purpose. Here’s where to go. Here’s the guy to call. Here’s a hammer. Here’s a lawnmower. Here’s a ride. Here’s a hand.

When gifts bear gifts that you promise to marry and hold onto, then things can get scary. But, because you are there with a hammer, and a hand- I know I can take care of the gift you gave me. (For as long as she will bear the brunt of my nonsense anyway).

Gifts can be simple. Or they can be way over the top and crowded with too many people in too loud dresses and too loud music. But you, Eddie- you came as you were. And you shared yours generously. All the time. Unconditionally. Without judgement. You shared what you had, with whomever was around, and while you teased the hell out of us you just wanted us to have what we wanted. In my special case, for better or worse, I wanted your daughter. Thank you.

I am terribly sorry Ed, but my short term plans and long term plans that you wanted IN WRITING…before you allowed me to marry your daughter will be forever filed away in God’s heart. I am glad that I knew you were joking all along. I mean, I was hoping you were joking because the ring in my pocket had required a small fortune to acquire…but it was “what she wanted” so I knew I was “golden”. Or, at this moment golden toast. I know that you wanted me to sweat, squirm and learn a lesson with your wit, and now I know it was good for me. And us. And for that, I am grateful. Which is why this simple ode to Ed is my final answer to you.

While our Academy shines bright into the future, we also remember that Ed said to check with your mother. That’s funny because that’s how I knew it in my house. And so, while the Real Boss is my Real Gift from you- I guess I should remember to write you a thank you note. The best gifts are the ones that never stop giving. Like you.

It is a good thing it is summer time at the Academy so we can savor and snuggle the gifts we have. And feel safe and sound that we have all that we need to be the best we can be going forward. And Ed, I even remembered my wallet. Let me- just this once… pick up the tab today.

With all of my heart, Thanks for coming!