How do you say something nice when you don't have much nice to say?

[Shugardrawers]

Ok, I need some help. My parents anniversary party is in a week and I have to give the toast. A bit of history is in order here. My parents married 25 years ago and my Dad has been a wonderful Dad (he's not our bio father). My mother however, had a raging drinking problem for years and managed to estrange all her kids and most everyone she's ever met at some time or another. We are on speaking terms but we have never been close and never will be. Now, she can be generous and kind as long as you aren't on her $*#% list for whatever real or imagined minor offense she chooses at the time. She's an excellent cook too. To be quite blunt she is often a real (insert word for female dog here). I found lots of nice things to say about my Dad but I'm having trouble finding a way to nice things about Mom. It should be something about the kind of wife she's been since she's been a terrible mother but she's so mean to my Dad too. How would you get around this? I know, without knowing her it's hard to tell me what to say but tell me how you'd get around this problem if it were you.

 

[Disney Doll]

How about sometihng like "These days, when so many marriages end in divorce, we are here to celebrate a union which has endured through sickness & health, in good times and bad. Congratulaitons Mom and Dad". Smile, raise your glass, and make sure you tell some relative to say "Here, here", and you're done.

 

[shortbun]

Stay generic. like:

I like to thank you all for being here to help Mom and Dad celebrate this momentous occassion. Staying married takes
lots of hard work. Congratulations, Mom and Dad! We wish
you happiness and love! Salute!

You could even expand by mentioning other famous couples
who have made it to 25, great loves. Or, just say- "I can't
imagine what it must be like to have been married for 25 years.
Here's to you, Mom and Dad!

No need to mention any history or anything personal. It would
be awkward and fake.

 

[Shugardrawers]

Oh if only I could say "I can't imagine why Dad would stay around for 25 years but here's to ya Dad, I'm sure you need the drink"!! LOL