My unnecessary speech.

When it comes down to it, there isn't that much that requires us to deal with one another. Yes, there are jobs and what are at least initial forced interactions, but politics and family can both be easily manipulated and/or dissolved over time if and when necessary. What truly matters, I believe, are the relationships which we choose to enter in to; those that we deem worth the endurance.

I have only been back in Portland for all of five days, but in that time I've experienced so many aspects of this privilege -- from meeting and bonding with what I now consider new friends (those of my current ones) to greeting some of my oldest and dearest, to even introducing myself to some I've known for many years yet never had the opportunity to actually meet. And now here I am, about to witness the most devoted version of these decisive connections: two friends publicly pledging - before most everyone who matters to them - to never allow that core of pure friendship to be compromised.

While I admit I may not know my two friends better than many of the people in attendance, what I do know is enough to confidently state two crucial things: 1.) These are two people I would individually trust in caring for me if I were to suddenly suffer a massive coronary, and 2.) They are both truly two peas from the same pod. I knew this when I first met them as much as I do today.

What we are attending here is not what many concede as the next logical step in their lives; it is what it should be - and is - the next logical step in their Life.

And to this I say, raise a glass. You both kick ass.