The eloquent Bar Mitzvah speech delivered by the proud mother, Dawn, on behalf of herself and her husband Rob at her triplets Bar Mitzvah.
I am so proud of all of you boys today, but your successes never seem to surprise me, since the day that you were born. I remember well the day that I found out that I was having triplets. Of course, no one believed me when I called and I reported that I was having triplets. After all, what normal person pops out triplets? I remember how we all voted on how many were girls and how many were boys. Then, I had the dream that I was having 3 sons, my three sons. And, on Wednesday, June 24, I delivered 3 boys, a hat trick as we like to say. That was a tough order to deliver, but not as challenging as what was to come. I always will recall seeing you for the first time. Spencer made a dramatic entrance into the world. Lance had what seemed like a big smile on his face. He was placid and calm. And, Brent, he was tough and determined.
Spencer was the drama king just as he is today. After all, he was the leader, the oldest and he was Atlas holding everyone together. You Spencer always seem to be in charge. You always seem to have a lot to say. Yet, still, you are a caring, sensitive and special person. When I need help with something, I can always count on you. You go with me to Costco and carry all of my groceries. You help me in the kitchen. If you cannot do it yourself, you are the one who can always find someone to help you. You have giant aspirations for yourself, and I know you will get there. You dream big and face the challenge to reach those dreams, each and every day whether it is working hard in school or organizing whatever event. But, Spencer, what is most amazing is that you do all that with a big smile on your face. You make life fun. When I look at you, I think, this boy is fun.
Lance, you were born there in the middle, and as such you have taken up that tall order to always be the mediator. I realize that it can be tough always being the voice of reason between your brothers and your family for that matter. After all, you are the one that always tries to calm me down. You have that special gift of always knowing the right thing to say. You are the one who is always there for that hug when I need one. I know that you will be there for Dad and me forever. You are the one that says don’t worry, just be happy and enjoy life. You are the one who has that amazing courage and confidence to stand in that goal and get pucks shot at you. Not many people can take that pressure. Perhaps someday you will grow up and use those negotiating skills to be a great lawyer.
And, then there is Brent. As your teacher once said, “Brent is Brent.” Funny how I knew exactly what he meant. You are the most determined person I have ever met. Born at 3 lbs. 2 oz., you have always been driven to succeed. You are a ball of fire with so many talents whether it be math or art or hockey. You, I know will be a success at whatever you do in life. You never accept failure, because even when there is failure, you learn from it. For me, seeing you play hockey sums up your entire personality. You may not be the biggest player, you may not be the best skater, and you never look at the other team. You step on that ice, and you just do what you have to do. You crash the opponents goal and try to score. You pass the puck to other teammates or you get the job done yourself. You are almost always in the right place at the right time, not because of luck, but because you are watching the game as you play. And, in life, you may be quiet, but you are watching and listening, and you calculate where you are going and where you want to be.
But, the same challenges that we face as a family. . . the arguing and the differences are what makes you all work so well together. You are three very different individuals that bring so many great qualities together. Each day, we learn from each other and all of those differences. Yet, I see one thing that you all have in common. You are the three most compassionate people I know. You are compassionate for others, friends, family or even animals. But, most importantly, you are compassionate to each other. Because as Yogi Berra said,
When you're part of a team, you stand up for your teammates. Your loyalty is to them. You protect them through good and bad, because they'd do the same for you."
I always feel reassured in knowing that if Dad or I are not there, you guys look after each other. You have each other’s backs! And, so I say to all three of you this, “100% of the shots not taken will not go in.” Actually, that is not my wisdom, but rather Wayne Gretzky’s. Not only do we share a birthday, but also an outlook on life. You three have an advantage in life. You can take all of those risks and face all of those challenges but always feel confident that not only do Dad and I stand by you but you have two brothers standing up for you as well. Use that power to your advantage and just go for it. As we say in finance, increase risk increase return. Meet life’s challenges head on, sit in the driver’s seat and enjoy the ride. Dad and I love you very much.
Candle Lighting Ceremony:
In Memory of Our Great Grandfather Poppy, Great Grandfather Lou, and Great Grandparents Dolores and Sidney
- Imagine, John Lennon, Memories Cats, Streisand or Through the Years, Kenny Rogers
Remembering my Great Grandparents is a very good place to start because they'll always hold a special place within my heart. Poppy, we know how you wanted to be here tonight, so we know you are here even if you are out of our sight. And though I never knew Great Grandparents Dolores, Sidney and Lou, we of course will always think of you. This is a celebration and we know you are all here with us here today. This candle now will honor all five of you in a very special way.
Grandma Marilyn & Grandpa Milt – Teach Your Children, CSN, Father and Son, Cat Stevens
We are so glad that you live so close, because it is you that we see the most. Although Grandpa may be a bit bizarre taking care of his special car, Grandma, you are a superstar. We enjoy going to the deli almost every Sunday night, because choosing another restaurant can be a fight. After all, eating all the delicious food, always puts everyone in a good mood. All of our important moments in our life, have been spent with you. So, please come up and light candle two.
Jammy & Howie-Forever Young, Rod Stewart, Cat’s in the Cradle
During summers when we are out of school, we find ourselves hanging by your pool. Over Christmas break, we have the greatest time skiing with you for heaven’s sake! We really enjoy spending all our vacations at Camp Jan, even if it means that we will be in Pittsburgh sacrificing our suntan. Howie, we like spending time with you too so don’t be upset, especially when we get to ride in the red Vette. We know we tried to bolt, when you forced us to ride on the Thunderbolt. And, by the way, we know at the dreaded Hojos buffet, kids eat free, so please hurry up and light candle number three.
Grandma Rozi & Grandpa Bob – We Are Family, Sister Sledge, Open Arms, Journey
This candle for Grandma Rozi and Grandpa Bob will glow especially bright. Having them both here from Florida with us makes everything just right. We wish you would visit more, but we understand that you cannot leave that shoe store. Remember the time you visited us on Long Island? Then, we hit Nathan’s and the Cyclone in Coney Island. It's always very special to have good times that we share, so we are really thrilled that you came to this affair. So Grandma Rozi and Grandpa Bob, please come up now to see the three that you adore! Give us a hug and a kiss and light candle number four.
Scott, Sam & Eric – What I Like About You, Romantics
You were the one that took us to our first hockey game, even though the Pens lost and it was quite a shame. We love to talk with you about the hockey stats, but not so much about your cats. Uncle Scott we love you for your fancy Viper car, even though you smartly only let us look at it from afar. Uncle Eric you are the one who brings all of the fun. Our times at Dave and Buster’s are the best, even if it always seems to turn into a bad contest. Sam you are such a treat, because you are just so sweet. The three of you are just so loud and alive, so please come up a light candle five.
Matt & JJ – Monday Night Football Theme or Going To California, Led Zepplin, Californication, Although you live on the opposite coast, of all our relatives, we like you the most. When you call, Uncle Matt and JJ, you always brighten our day. We love it when you call, because you are experts on so many things like football. We used to love visiting you in Georgetown, when you moved it was such a let down. Still, we are very excited to see your new house in the new hood, especially cause it is in Hollywood. Maybe JJ will prepare a special entrée, because we know he is such a gourmet. We had so many fun times at the beach in Ocean City, I hope they continue or that will be a pity. You both encourage my mother to be obsessed with her football picks, so now we are forcing you Uncles JJ and Matt to come up and light candle number six.
Aunt Zoe & Uncle Zach – Here I Go Again, Whitesnake, Fashionista, Pretty Woman
You are both so cool with that Gucci classy style, even when we do not see you for awhile. You are our Aunt and Uncle who have all that New York City flair, even though you are barely there. We love all the sleepovers, eating Chinese and fun galore. Always making us wish for New York City even more. Aunt Zoey and Uncle Zach, when we go to New York City, we never want to go back. Pizza with you at Lombardi’s is really a slice of heaven. So, Aunt Zoey and Uncle Zach, please come up and light candle seven.
Uncle Michael – Thank You for Being My Friend
You are the uncle who spoils us the most, between buying us toys and taking us to eat French Toast. You are our buddy, because you are always here to help us study. We are so glad that you live so near, because we really hold you so dear. The fine dinners and Broadway shows are the absolute best. You must know that you beat out all the rest. Uncle Michael, because you are so great, please come up and light candle number eight.
Aunt Shari and Uncle Eric – You’re Simply the Best, Tina Turner, Give a Little,
You are my mom’s sister who is always there, even when she is in despair. Going to your house in the Burgh is always a treat, because you always have so much good stuff to eat. We love to spend time with our only big cousins Zach and Josh, and when it is over, we always feel like omigosh! We cannot thank you enough, for all that amazing goalie and hockey stuff. If you could come join us here, it would be really fine. Aunt Shari, Uncle Eric, Josh, and Zach, please light candle nine.
Dawn and Au Pairs – Nanny Theme or Coming To America, Neal Diamond
All we can say is that this next person does not have a flaw, she took care of us and was one of the first faces we ever saw. You took such great care of us, when our parents were working and away. We were so sad, when you could not stay. We learned so much about countries afar, it is just too bad that so many of you wrecked our car. After taking such good care of us, there isn’t anything you cannot handle. With that said, Dawn, Heidi, Lica,. . . please light the tenth candle.
Cousins – What a Wonderful World
We have so few, that we could not possibly skip you. Abie, David, Ally, Ross, Hunter, Matthew, Andrew, Emma, and Kate, it means so much that you are here with us to celebrate. You are here for every special day, but we still wish you did not live so far away. Whether it is skating with you or playing a video game, the fun is always the same. So let’s forget our family scandal, please join us to light the eleventh candle.
Friends – With a Little Help from my Friends, Joe Cocker or Elton John Friends
Whether from school, hockey or camp, our fun just never ends. After all we love spending time with all of our crazy friends. Some of you we met way back in preschool and some we know from hanging at the pool. We have fun with you walking thru town, or just hanging around. It is with all of you that we have had the best of times, but we are sure that with you all there will be more for many lifetimes. Candle twelve is burning bright, so we ask that all of our friends, please share the light.
Parents – I’ll Stand By You, Pretenders
The last candle is for Mom and Dad who are great, really you are first rate. What can we say? After all, you put up with our attitudes each and everyday. We want to thank you for driving us to just about every hockey rink, because we realize how much those early morning trips really stink. know those early slots really stink. We love you very much, and know that it will always be as such. We promise to let you have just this one scene, so please come up and light candle thirteen.