We celebrated the marriage of Malin, to Sevrin, at the end of January. It was moving and breathtakingly beautiful. Jennifer and her father, Ralph, officiated the ceremony, surrounded by friends and family. I even got to play my trumpet! Everything was so green and fresh at Planterra.
Going into the reception, I was a bit nervous. It’s not a secret that I am having more trouble speaking lately, so I practiced my toast over and over in the days leading up to the wedding, projecting my voice as loudly and consistently as I could. During the reception, the time finally came for me to stand up and make a toast to the happy couple. I was able to be heard and understood, which was a huge relief. I was able to focus completely on Malin and Seve. I started by reading a brief excerpt from my diary of Malin’s childhood:
The date: Saturday, March 3rd, 2007…
Malin, today was your seventh birthday party. lt was quite a day! You woke up at 2 am and wondered how long it would be before the sun came up. Of course, I slept through this experience, but this is what momma told me this morning!
The theme was horses (the usual theme for your birthdays) and we had a grand time with all of the games that momma planned out for you. We ended the day cuddling as you fell asleep in your bed. You said “I love you more than you will ever know,” which is what I usually say to you.
Fast forward to today, January 31st, 2026…
Seve, I knew you were special from the very start. We sat together in our living room drinking coffee. Your phone was tucked away somewhere so that you could be fully present with me.
In the six years we have known each other I have learned so much from you, including how to live in the moment, how to appreciate the simple things in life, and how to cook delicious vegan dishes from scratch.
We often joke that you were born in the wrong century. But right here in 2026, Jennifer and I could not be more pleased to welcome you into the family. We truly couldn’t be happier having you as our son-in law.
Now, as we all raise our glasses together, I say to you, Malin, and you, Seve: We love you both more than you will ever know. Skål!
I smile whenever I think about the wedding, how lovely Malin and Seve are to each other, and what a gift they are to their families and to the many people in their lives.