Corrie's Dad's Speech

Sorry to folks who don't understand Chinese. Originally I thought my dad's speech was only three minute, thus I told him a Chinese-only speech is fine. Well, let me just say, the speech was definitely not *only three minute*.

Though it was "a bit" long, I was still truly touched by my dad's speech. Though I sometimes find him a stubborn father who nags a bit too much. He is an intelligent man who can manage everything very well [I am still amazed by how he could draw such a perfect balance to everything]. I see him as my role model. I always turn to him when I am stuck with a problem and he's been there for me all the time. I used to think: it will be impossible to find a man who I trust as much as my dad.

I know he's put in a lot of thoughts in the speech. This is also something I admire about him -- he gives 150% to everything he does. So folks, here it is:

Good evening ladies and gendtleman. I have prepared 30 pages of speech. You better be patient. For those who don't know me, my name is Alan. I am Corrie's father. Corrie and I have one thing in common, our names are the same.

First of all, I would like to welcome you to be here tonight to celebrate the wedding of my daughter and Ka.

My speech will be in Chinese. For tables with non Chinese speakers, I hope the Chinese neighbours at your table to help translate.

(Speech in Cantonese)

First, I would like to thank the friends and relatives who traveled from out of town to be here for Corrie and Ka's wedding. When I was walking down the isle with Corrie, I had mixed feelings. One one hand, it was hard for me to let go of my daughter after 20 odd years; on the other hand, I felt relieved. I felt I have passed one of my biggest debt over to Ka.

There are many things I could say about Corrie. One simple question: Do you guys think Corrie is pretty tonight? (Crowd: yes!) Corrie, remember these people here, they only think you are pretty tonight.

When Corrie was born, she looked a lot like an actress in a movie -- Mrs. Cone Head. She was just too comfortable being inside her mom and refused to come out. The doctors had to use a pump to get her out. You can imagine what shape her head will be. Thank to her mom rubbing her head often, Corrie's head rounded up, and thankfullly, looked less weird.

I was surprised when Corrie told me she joined the Chinese Debating team during her university days. At first I couldn't believe with her Grade 5 Chinese, she could debate in public competitions. But come to think about it, she has been "debating" with us at home for over the past 20 years, and she always win. With all the training at home, I shouldn't be surprised if she could win the best debator award.

Corrie seems to have endless amount of time. No matter what time you email her, she would reply right away. She also does a lot of volunteering work. Just last year, she volunteered in Peru, where she met two good friends, Donna and Bruce, they traveled all the way from New Hamshire for tonight's wedding. Donna and Bruce, I appreciate you coming tonight.

For those who don't know. Corrie has two great friends. One - her laptop. She carries it anywhere she goes. I think she even sleeps with it. Second friend is "Ah Mou" (Baker). She makes a lot of cakes and desserts at home. Now that she is starting a family with Ka, we will no longer need to be her only guinea pigs.

Talking about Ka and Corrie's wedding. I have talked to my friend about which type of men is right for Corrie. My friend answered: Archeologist. When I asked why, he answered: Because they cherish things that are old, and the older the better. The worst would be to find someone in IT. Then I got worried because both my wife and myself, and Ka and Corrie are both in IT! My friend then said, people in IT love to upgrade. They would upgrade their software every year, and after a few years, they would even upgrade the hardware! Good thing my wife works on the legacy system, so we are still together after 30 years. Ka and Corrie, don't worry. I am sure there will be exceptions.

Ka and Corrie are meant for each other. They respect each other. Ka cares for Corrie a lot, Corrie would go to Ka when she is faced with a problem.

when always asked if I needed to provide help to Corrie and Ka's wedding. It always "No". The two of them got everything under control. And during the last week, everything was handed over to Tung and Ta (Gabriel & Anita). Them and the groups of friends made tonight successful. Thank you.

Lastly, I would also like to thank Mrs. Lam (Ka's mom). She always cares a lot for Corrie. She also makes great food. Everytime Corrie returns from Ka's home, she would do a show-and-tell, and let us know what Ka's mom cooked and how good the food were. Corrie is very fortunate to have such a great mother in law.

I wish Ka anc Corrie the best. Please join me for a toast to the bride and groom.