A DAD’S SPEECH AT HIS DAUGHTER’S WEDDING
I thought I would start my speech by addressing you as the
“new” family of my
daughter. But I think it would be inappropriate because now
that she is
married you are “the family” for her. Believe me; I don’t
have a problem with
that. I in fact want my daughter to have “you” as her priority
now. Its time for
us to take a backseat in her life. We would happily accept it
but would surely
request one thing- please keep her happy!
I am more than sure that you will keep her very happy. She
will perhaps be
happier than what she used to be here. But like all fathers I
obsess over my
daughter’s happiness which is making me say this over and
over again- please
keep her happy!
She never was and will never be a burden for me. She is in
fact the reason why
I breathe and smile. I am getting her married because this is
what the law of
nature demands. I am helpless in the face of our culture and
therefore sending
her to your home. She was the happiness of my home and
will now light up
your home. I am giving my world to you. Please make sure it
remains beautiful.
I am giving away my princess to you. Please make sure she
stays as a queen. I
have raised her with my sweat and blood and now she is
wonderfully perfect.
For all the care love beauty and warmth my daughter will
bring into your lives
I just want her happiness in return—please keep her happy!
If at times you think that my daughter has said or done
something wrong feel
free to scold her. But handle her with love. She is very
fragile. If at times she
feels low be with her. She just needs a little bit of your
attention. If at times
she feels sick show her some care. It’s the medicine that
works best for her. If
at times she fails to fulfill a responsibility feel free to
chastise her. But
empathize with her. She is still learning. Do understand her
—please keep her
happy!
I don’t mind if I don’t get to see her for months. I don’t mind
if I am not able
to talk to her on a daily basis. I would be more than happy if
she doesn’t
remember me much. But my only motive in life has been
my daughter’s
happiness which is now in your hands. I beg you please
keep her happy.
Dear son-in-law these words may not mean much to you
now but if you are
lucky enough to father a daughter someday you will
appreciate them better
when you will find every beat of your heart shouting –
“please keep her happy”!