Sayonara’s speech

A warm welcome to you all who are here to grace this happy occasion. Thank you for coming from far and wide to help us celebrate. I, SQ, mother of the groom, am honoured to say a few words about my son Kyne who I am so proud of. Kyne is a name of English origin that means “Royal one”. I don’t know what Kyne would say, but we have certainly tried our best to bring him up like a Prince! Luckily, he was our one and only so he couldn’t be a Spare - thank goodness. As William Shakespeare said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.” While every mother thinks that their child is born great – I also wanted Kyne to work hard, be smart and achieve greatness –which I really feel he has done- certainly in my eyes. I am so proud of his achievements at university and being scouted to work at Air New Zealand, and through hard work and dedication has managed to be a proud first home owner by the age of 25 – which as we all know in this day and age is no mean feat. But most of all, I am particularly proud of the warm, witty, kind and golden hearted person that Kyne has become. This, I will take as my greatest achievement.

However, no matter how proud I am of Kyne’s good points… I know he also has a very cheeky side to him! He has a way with words and people – particularly women! When once asked,” how do you do that, Kyne?” Kyne replied with a giggle,” you can only perfect that art when you live with 4 mothers and a grandmother. Kyne was referring to his aunts, my sisters who have taught him all the important things in life – such as not to argue with women! You can thank me later Rachel. Like any good prince, Kyne also loves good food and definitely good wine. I’m not quite sure where he picked the latter up –certainly not me! I will put this one down to nature. not nurture. Kyne’s love of wine has led him to be a connoisseur of wine and also has led him to convincing his beautiful bride to be married in a vineyard! Careful Rachel – perhaps there are 3 in your marriage already! But in all seriousness, Kyne was always my golden child – loyal, caring and understanding, and although we have had our ups and downs the bond that we share is very special and built on trust and belief in each other. And for this - I am eternally grateful for. Kyne, you have been my pillar of strength, the light in my life, my best friend and I absolutely love you to bits.

Today, I see a young, handsome, well accomplished man and people often say to me you’re so lucky to have such a good son but let me assure you it was not luck, it was sacrifice and discipline along with respect, love and understanding from both parties. Love and relationships built on these foundations can achieve the world, and I know that Kyne and Rachel also share these qualities. In Rachel, Kyne has found a wonderful person to share his life with, and, like most princes do (well at least the sensible and non- red headed ones) he has chosen very wisely. Rachel is someone who he trusts, is not only bright but also very kind and caring. I could not have wished for a more beautiful person to become part of our family.

Today, as they take this big step to stand by each other, as husband and wife, I wish my Kyne and his Rachael a lifetime of health, happiness and togetherness. Thank you all again for sharing this beautiful and very special day with us.