"Hi, I'm Ali, the MOH. I'm Bryanna's little sister. I met Bryanna 23 years, 11 months, and 25 days ago. For those of you who are able to do the math, that means my birthday is on Wednesday. I accept cards and cash of any amount. [pause for laughter]. Growing up, Bryanna and I were not the sisters to braid each others hair, and skip hand and hand smiling and giggling while doing so. It took about 15 years for us to get to that point. In fact, growing up, Bryanna was not my biggest fan, and as it's recently been revealed to me, I guess I wasn't hers either. Apparently, I had the tendency to be a little tattle-tale, but Bryanna definitely had the tendency to be a little mischievous. It took until I got into high school for us to really start seeing eye to eye on things. And by seeing eye to eye, I mean, having completely different likes and dislikes, and interests. It it's pink, Bryanna loves it...but me...not so much. If it's black, gray, or lacking in color, I love it...but Bryanna...not so much. If it's blingy, flashy, furry, sparkly, or covered in glitter, it's Bryanna. If it's plaids, solids, or anything lacking excitement, it's me. If it's a big, tall, burly guy, with a full beard, he's mine. If it's a fit, athletic, clean cut, and tan guy, he's Bry's. But somehow, through all of those differences in our personalities, we learned to be great sisters, and the best of friends. I have always been a fan of The Little Mermaid. Being the youngest daughter, with only older sisters, and love of singing, Ariel matched my personality. Bryanna, however, has always been Cinderella. She has always been waiting for her Prince Charming to come and sweep her of her feet. She's been waiting for that magical moment, with the pumpkin, and the fairy-godmother, and the talking mice...or maybe more-so the love and happily ever after that it brought to the beautiful princess. So for years, Bryanna has been waiting for her Prince Charming. But, I think she got her Disney movies confused, because today, she married Aladdin. But I think that's better. Aladdin had such a passion, and devotion to his princess that truly matches how Ach treats Bry. I can honestly say that I've never seen anyone look at my sister with so much love, so much devotion, and so much kindness. I've never seen her light up as much as she does when she talks about him. I have never seen two different fairy-tales mesh together so well. So Ach, big brother, you made your promises to my sister earlier, but I need you make a couple promises to me. If Wicked ever comes to the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall, promise me that you'll take Bryanna to see it, since her Elphie can't be there to take her. Promise me that if you ever find something called a “chocolate burger” you will IMMEDIATELY buy it for her. For every road trip you take together, promise me that you will have a killer playlist with Nsync, Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block, Michael Jackson, and Debbie Gibson on it. And if you ever go to Mexico, please make sure Bryanna is fluent in both Spanish, and sign language. And last but not least, please promise to remind my sister how much I love her, and how happy I am that she is being loved by someone as wonderful as you.
So please raise your glass, as we toast to Bry and Ach, and their fairy-tale, happily-ever-after."
Happy Anniversary, Achraf and Bryanna! Love you!
