Jim Barry's speech
During Daniel's speech there was a surprise telephone call direct from New York, from "matchmaker" Jim Barry (also known to them as "Uncle Junk" due to his impressive basement), who gave a very special speech.
This is the transcript of that speech:
"Sorry to interrupt this wedding but we
have some late breaking news from
Barry Tours in New York...there is something that has to be said:
Daniel:
Prior to meeting Itsuka there was another great love in your
life--she captivated you, you had pictures of her in your room,
your
thoughts were often consumed with her and you probably dreamed
about her.
As anybody who knows you--then they know I am talking about
the RMS
Titanic. Now you are focused on the Itsuka Maru but I
wanted to pass
along some advice:
l. Don't speed ahead in dangerous conditions and try to set a
trans-Atlantic speed record. Take your time and consult
with Itsuka your
wife in making life decisions.
2. Make sure there are binoculars in your crowsnest--so the two
of you
can look ahead and avoid any unfortunate collisions with the
spiritual,
emotional or financial icebergs of life.
3. Make sure you have enough spiritual, emotional and financial
lifeboats
in the event of an unanticipated collision with the problems life
may
throw at you....and that means having enough for the two of
you....if not
more Parkes' in the future.
4. Make sure all your bulkheads go to the top so problems in one
aspect
of life like work don't spill over into other more important
aspects like
your love for each other and for Jehovah.
5. Unlike the RMS Titanic--keep your love for each other and for
Jehovah
afloat--you may not get a multi-million dollar movie made about
your
marriage but it will give you Oscar winning joy that you can
share
forever.
Itsuka: When I first met you thru
snailmail you were a relatively quiet
young lady--and then we met in person, setting in motion a chain
of
events that contributed to your marrying Daniel this very
day. Thru your
continued messages I have watched you grow and mature--but always
with
the soul of a poet, an artist. Just a few words:
l.Just as you explored New York City which was unknown territory
to you
now you will be sharing in a marriage that is also unknown
territory. As
in any trip to places unknown there is anticipation, excitement
and a
little nervousness--I am sure the two of you will handle this
well.
2. Also--before you go to visit some place you read up on it,
study its
customs, look at maps and photos and even learn its language if
need be.
You have spent time doing the same with Daniel--learning each
other's way,
strengths and weaknesses, strong points and faults--it all goes
together.
Just as getting to know New York helped you enjoy your
visit here--the
two of you--getting to know each other before today--will help
your
marriage be a success.
3. Of course the best book you can get for making any trip a
success is a
very good travel guide book. The very best guide book(4
stars) for a
successful marriage is God's book the Bible. I know both of
you have
read and studied this book--keep doing so but only now as
one.
4. When you travel to someplace new the unexpected, the
unanticipated
and the unfamiliar can will occur. It will help if you both
remain
flexible and retain the sense of humor you both have in
abundance.
5. One of the nice things about travel is that you learn from the
experience and you share the memories forever--just like your
marriage
that is commencing this very day.
To both of you:
l. Life begins anew for both of you--now you will begin leading a
life as
one and will begin with some very important decisions this very
night(like which side of the bed will you sleep on--choose
carefully--this is a lifelong decision usually).
2. You will have new roles--not just son to some, daughter to
others,
brother to sister, sister to brother: NOW YOU ARE HUSBAND
& WIFE
To your parents: both the Parkes
and Yamazaki families: I wish you well
and congratulate all of you for raising such fine young people
who got
married here today. Thank you and Dom Arigato....
And that's the news from New York.
This is Jim Barry speaking of Barry Tours
(aka Uncle Junk)."
