Anyone get this reference?
It’s from Little Women. It is arguably the climax of the story, when Jo Marsh finally gets married. At this point in the story, all the other sisters have gotten married. Jo had thought for a while that she would never get married, but then she does and it’s beautiful.
We just had this moment as a family. My sister, my dear Abby, got married last month. There are four of us siblings, just like in Little Women, and the three others have already gotten married, and now it was Abby’s turn.
I was my sister’s matron of honor. So, I thought I’d share my speech from the reception. There was much crying when I read it, so get some tissues if you need.
Hello!
Speech given on January 28, 2023
I’m Anna. I’m Abby’s sister. I’m the oldest Halverson sibling. I have four children, three of which were in the wedding. The youngest isn’t sitting up on his own yet, so he wasn’t in the wedding party. I’m married to Mike, and almost 9 years ago, Abby was standing up giving a speech for my wedding. I have no idea what she said, but I’m sure it was sweet and I know that I cried.
So, my goal today is to make Abby cry. In order to do so, I have a story.
Abby is famous for writing notes. Not just any notes, but notes to people she’s upset with. It’s one of those things where in the heat of an argument you can’t get all your words out, and afterwards you think of all the things you should have said, and you can slow down and decompress. Yes, well, Abby did that all through childhood. If you had a fight with Abby, it was highly probable you would get a note.
I got a note once. We had a fight, and afterwards I got a note. The note was written in colorful marker, was several pages long, and had big fat tear blotches on it. It started a third down the page with the words: “Who is Anna?” It went on, in a rather poetic fashion, to describe how much Abby looked up to me as her big sister, how much she wanted me to be proud of her, how much she loved me, and forgave me.
It was the most Abby thing I had ever seen.
So here’s my note to Abby.
Who is Abby?
Abby is more.
More kind, more forgiving,
More passionate, more emotive.
More impacted by other people’s words and actions.
More confident in who her God is transforming her to be.
Abby is the best singer I know.
She also gives the best hugs, and the best gifts.
Abby cries the hardest, but she recovers well.
Give her time.
I’ve been with her since she was born.
She’s the Jo to my Meg, the Ramona to my Beezus, the Jane to my Elizabeth.
She’s my best friend.
I’ve worked hard to be her friend, because I wasn’t always.
I’ve failed her lots of times.
She still loves me.
Who is Abby?
Abby is more.
And I can’t wait to see what more she will be, with Justyn, her other best friend.
Happy, happy day!
Soli Deo Gloria
Gracious Purpose 