For Francesca & Ryan, February 2022
One of the things we probably all know, and love, about Francesca is that she isn’t really one to sugarcoat things. Dont get me wrong - she LOVES a little mushy mushy sentimental moment every once in a while (admit it, cesc- youre a cuddle monster!) but most of the time, she tells it to you straight.
She is equal parts encourager and challenger. Equal parts honest and loving. Not afraid of a little tough love, but also the most committed front row cheerleader. It’s those characteristics that make me so excited to sit here - the night before you become a wife.
While there were a million stories I could tell today that reflect how ready you are for this moment, the one that comes to mind now is the conversation we had in our hallway in the little yellow house on wabash avenue. Times were tough for the yellow house girls, and cesc, you were our rock that season. In the midst of heartbreak and redemption and falling apart and falling in love, you were a steadfast source of wisdom. During this particular conversation, I told you how grateful I was for that wisdom, and you laughed stating: I dont know where it comes from cause ive literally never had a serious boyfriend hahahahah.
I laughed to, but mostly out of disbelief. It was true: she wasn’t even up to bat yet and she was telling us how to hit a home run (youre welcome for that baseball plug, Ryan)! Whether we’re talking boys or baseball, Cesca, you are a natural leader.
Recently, a mentor of mine told me something that has stuck with me and I think it applies here today.
They said that you are the same leader at home as you are at work as you are at church as you are in marriage as you are as a mother.
And well, I know it feels obvious to all of us here today…. But cesc, I want you to know that if that is true, you are going to be one hell of a leader in your marriage. You are going to be one hell of wife.
Ryan, I remember the first day we met you. You became fast friends with the boys - not a surprise - but what I loved most was the dynamic between the two of you. I remember thinking - thats A lotttt of personality to fit into one relationship. But then I noticed how each of you yielded to each other. Ryan, where Cesca shines, you follow, Cesca, where Ryan leads, you support.
You are each so wildly gifted and wildly infectious. And you lead the people around you in a way that truly leaves them Better than they were when you found them. And today, we are rejoicing. REJOYCEING - see what I did there? 😉
I love you guys and cannot wait to get to usher you into this next season. If this night and this week are any indication, it is going to be so good.