Mother of Groom speech for Daniel
July 18, 2026
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| NEVER WILL FORGET I'LL BE THERE💕 |
Once upon a time there was a bookworm who got married. 4 years later she was terrified to learn that she was pregnant, because the only thing she knew on that topic was that it was extremely painful. So she bought all the manuals, so when that baby came she would know what to do.That baby came, our Nathan, ‘gift’ from God’ arrived and he proved to me classic textbook baby in his development and behaviour. Thank you, Nathan!
Another 4 years passed and we decided Nathan should not be alone and should have someone there for him when we were gone. So that is how Nathan thought that Daniel belonged to him when he was born and proudly announced to his kindergarten class that he had first son! Daniel’s first words were “naynay” and he adored his big brother and still does. Indeed in their childhood years these guys had an extraordinary bond, play acting and even made their own version of Star Wars with special effects of their own. And actually it was Nathan who first recognized the genius of Daniel in front of and behind a camera and made his brother famous with the lip sync video of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus for the Youth banquet at church and several more since then by Daniel.
Well, as Daniel grew, I found that I couldn’t find him in any of the manuals. He needed a new manual or rather no manual, and that has followed him into adulthood. And yes, I did try to get him to follow that traditional manual, but he has never followed what traditional society deems normal. He has courageously forged his unique path and he has taught me to think beyond the box.
Daniel inherited 2 specific traits from his parents that marked his journey profoundly; my ultra sensitivity and his dad’s ADHD. I could say “oh that poor guy”, but Psalm 139 says that God formed and wired Dan perfectly for His glory. So those two traits impact the development of his extraordinary giftedness. As with Nathan, we had researched names before you were born as names personified purpose and character in the Bible. Daniel was the name we chose. Daniel in the Bible was
a young man of deep convictions. He knew and understood the ways of God. Daniel knew the importance of remaining pure and undefiled, and purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself even in a culture that was saturated with pagan practices. He loved God with an obedient and submissive heart was full of wisdom and understanding. He loved and was loyal to his friends. As I look at my annual birthday posts for you, I have seen how these characteristics are being developed in you:
First and foremost, you have a passion for truth and earnestly seek His kingdom in a variety of ways. You speak boldly of your convictions. Like your dad you will be the one who always gives feedback in any Bible study. You don’t speak from a vacuum but from vast data garnered in your personal research on topics that interest you. When you were 16, I wrote this about you, "You’ve shown a strength of resolve in what you want to do.You have a keen sense of right and wrong and would vociferously defend yourself. I can definitely see apologetics in your future as you defend your faith in a culture that devalues it.”
From your ultra sensitive nature comes insight and understanding of others, especially of the people you love, like your family. From a baby you were always observing with twinkling eyes those around you. So many times you have given me insight into other people we love. You really ‘see’ people and that comes from the ultra sensitivity you were born with.
Those twinkling eyes reveal a somewhat mischievous nature and that great sense of humour that brings so much joy and laughter to many of us. Some of my most gut laughing moments have been with you. I still remember having that family quiet time and making you all watch that Billy Graham film The Restless Ones and the theme song with the monotone lyrics. When it was your turn to pray, you prayed…”and Lord, please help those singers in the video because it is obvious they have serious problems.” Of course, while your Dad continued praying, I was snorting in laughter. Or when the guest speaker at church had an accent that had always triggered our funny bone and kept on saying one phrase that had us dying along with your partners in crime, Mark and Geoff, who unlike you and me were trying their best to hide their laughter by turning red as beets. You and I were, well, just plain laughing and I had to leave because snorting was happening. I love that we share the same sense of humor. I also love to hear you and your brother and your friends joking around. You guys are so funny! Your fave teacher in Grade 1 said you were the only one who understood her jokes.
Authenticity is a trait that people immediately think of when they know you because like your dad you cannot wear masks. You freely express your heart and mind. Everyone knows what Dan is feeling. Authenticity draws other people to you as much as it deters others who depend on masks to retain an image. A recent incident comes to mind. If you know, you know.
Kindness of heart and generosity are other qualities that come to mind when I think of Daniel. I remember once when the offering plate was passed, I saw you dip into your pocket and put something in. You did not look for the smallest bill. On our way home, you offered to get me Swiss Chalet. This was from your birthday money gift. I remember at one intersection going to school there was always one woman begging and I occasionally gave money if I had. One time I had nothing on hand but you reached over and gave me your banana bread to give to her, teaching me that I could give of anything I had. You are sensitive to people in need.
Forgiving and gracious. When a certain authority figure demoralized you, you still spoke of him with grace. You continually forgive me when I mess up, like daily. I have seen you apply the verse that says Love covers a multitude of sins.
Loyalty. Even when loved ones or friends let you down, you remain loyal.
You rejoice in truth, seek righteousness, love worship.
You earnestly listen to good sermons like Furtick and I hear your assent to truth. You always looked forward to going to Elevation on Saturdays to worship and listen to the Word. You have loved to lead others into the presence of God in your role as worship leader. I love to hear you and Nathan worship. This momma heart overflows. I remember the first time I heard you sing
solo in worship and was completely in awe. The song So Will I will always be your song for me.
Determined. Resourceful. Talented. Persistent.
We don't have to pay for haircuts anymore. We never had to pay for guitar lessons. You can do MJ moves like no other. Why? Because when you want something, you go after it with passion, looking at YouTube video after video, practicing and perfecting. You have such artistry and rhythm, definitely the mother’s side, that Trini blood!
I love to hear you singing and playing that guitar, my favorite instrument. And yes, you are good!
You love with all your heart. When you did Testify to Love, from my fave Touched By an Angel episode and the behind the scenes prep, it completely revealed what a thoughtful, loving and gentle heart you have. The labor of love, the time and energy spent in editing. When you look at your bro and your nieces, I see the complete adoration in your eyes. When you heard your Dad’s story, how it impacted you. And of course the love of your life, Cynthia. You would give your last penny if any of us were in need.
This is what 2 very important people in your life said about you and what you meant. The first is the man you chose to lead you into baptism, a godly man with integrity and humility and insight into you:
From Trevor:
"Daniel…I’m so thankful to know you, and be counted as your friend. Sincerely! There are a bunch of reasons for that too, but for a couple that come to mind most immediately: it’s your authenticity (I feel so privileged to be someone you seemed to trust—your authenticity led to a deeper friendship between us); your passion for truth (you’re a man of conviction, and God knows we need more of those); your resilience (you know what it’s like to weather through tough seasons and trust God when stuff is hazy); and your kindness (you have a good heart, and I feel like people gravitate toward you because of it). I know, brother, that a lot of people appreciate you for your gifts. And I do too, but …who you are is what’s always impressed me most…and it’s why you’re someone I respect, trust and care for very much.
Planet earth is better because you’re here!
I heartily concur, Trevor!
From your soulmate who has even greater insight into you:
“To say Dan has been a gift in my life is just the beginning. Everywhere Daniel goes he brings joy, laughter, and a kind heart. His heart for worship and excellence creates atmospheres where our hearts can connect to the heart of Jesus, which is a profound gift in itself. When I look at Daniel, I see kindness, tenderness, and love… I’m grateful to have found a friend to walk through life with. May the Lord continue to bless him and bring him deeper into the truth about how much he is loved, valued, and delighted in.
I heartily concur, Cynthia.
Which brings me to you, dear Cynthia.
And now, Cynthia. Just like Sarah is for Nathan, you are the answer to my prayer for Dan so many years ago: "“Lord, send the right wife at the perfect time and give Daniel a clear leading…prepare that person who will make the perfect wife for Daniel. I pray that this woman will be a godly and devoted servant of yours who loves You and lives your way and will be like a daughter to me."
Admittedly it was a rocky start and I was there many a night with Dan as he cried with a broken heart. So my heart was not moved towards you favourably at all. This momma don't like the people who make her sons cry. But something remarkable happened and surprisingly at one of those times you broke off with him. You sent me a personal message apologizing to me. It was the tone of gentleness, sensitivity and thoughtfulness that made me feel seen and God turned my heart towards you. I never responded out of respect for Dan but it made me ponder deeply. The Lord filled me with an overwhelming love for you that I expressed to Dan at some point that had a divine connection for him. I remember asking him what he saw in you. He said, gentleness and kindness. I thoroughly concur with this. I love how you partner with him in helping him develop his gifts, your encouragement and prayer with and for him. You are not only beautiful but also smart and resourceful and a godly woman.
Cynthia, as a teacher, you are well organized and have specific ways to get things done. I'm afraid to break the news that Dan is totally the opposite, his ways are not anybody's ways. He is the ultra pioneer of his life. With ADHD, he can be easily distracted and forget stuff we women take for granted, or so hyper focused on a task that he forgets to eat and sleep! Welcome to the world of compromise and flexibility!
And to Cynthia’s parents, Ron and Mari, thank you for raising such a beautiful daughter. You both have such good and kind hearts that you passed on to your daughter and you welcomed Dan into your hearts and home just like the Marshalls did for Nathan. That makes this mother’s and father’s heart so at peace. I met some of your family at the bridal shower and your aunt invited us over when it was too hot at our home. Such warm and gracious hospitality. Thank you so much and I am grateful that Dan has now become part of your family as Cynthia has become part of ours.
I made so many parenting flaws. Then I look at you, and hey, you turned out great anyway.
Because God.
Because there are some prayer warriors in my family. Thank you to my parents and siblings! My Mom could not be here but I want to thank her especially for being the first one in our family line to embrace Jesus as the Way and relentlessly praying for the rest of your family.
Because Grace.
His Hand has always been upon you, Dan, opening doors and protecting you. Remember how He protected us when our car spun around on the 401?
I will now close with the same advice I gave to Nathan and Sarah in 2019:
My exhortation to you in your new role as a husband, Dan, is first to dwell on your blessings and be grateful. Nurture a grateful heart. Never fail to thank anyone who has blessed you, especially your wife.
Second, be teachable. That requires humility. You're going to be living with another human being you did not grow up with and whose habits are different. Compromise will be necessary. More than that, be open to change. Let humility give you a teachable heart.
Third, communicate. Keep short accounts, don't let 'stuff' build up, clear them up constantly. Resolving conflicts is what builds a deep foundation of growing intimacy. Bottling up stuff creates walls and is probably not good for your health.
Over all of these, let God be the leader in your family. Build a firm foundation of faith for your family as the head of it.
Never neglect participating in a church community, giving of your resources, praying and fellowshipping together. We were created for community.
However, never neglect a time alone with your God, to replenish your soul and release your will to His. That time alone with Him will equip you to love your wife and others. Follow Jesus' example.
And, finally and most importantly, do love your sweet Cynthia through His heart. See her through His eyes. Speak to her through His words, truth laced with love. Touch her gently with His Hands. Listen to her with His ears with sensitivity and discernment. Walk with her courageously through the path He has purposed for you.
That prayer that I prayed from Stormie Omartian’s book for a mate for my boys when they were still quite young ended like this’d so will I:
May Daniel have one mate for life, who is also his closest friend. (And that is you, Cynthia). Lord, may they be mutually loyal, compassionate, considerate, sensitive, respectful, affectionate, forgiving, supportive, caring, and loving toward one another all the days of their lives.” Amen.
I love you.💕
Always, Mom
