Dear Speed,

Three of my favorite memories of you are when you married Maggie and Lucas, when you blessed our home in Flint, and when you concelebrated the wedding of me and Mary.

Few are so fortunate as to have someone that raised them play such an important role in their marriage as well and then follow it up by marrying their daughter in such a loving and meaningful way.

I remember that you had lots of pertinent questions for Maggie and Lucas that you needed answers to before you felt comfortable writing the sermon for their wedding. You completely captured the true essence of the love that Maggie and Lucas have for each other. You put so much thought, energy and love into everything that you do.

When we moved to our home in Flint a few years ago we asked you to do a blessing during our house warming party. You Skyped in and read a poem that was so appropriate and moving that all of our friends and family there truly felt blessed to be present in our house.

I think that I was too young to really appreciate the significance of having you concelebrate our marriage over 30 years ago. What I do remember, and did appreciate at the time was how much more meaningful the wedding was to us. Mary was overjoyed to have the Catholic mass along with the more personal touch that you added. I had always felt a bit intimidated by Catholic sacraments until I had you standing there representing me.

I think that a bit of your love and compassion has rubbed off on me. At least I hope that it has.

Love

Winston