Samurai Cowboys

[ot] the best man's speech

My brother got married this weekend, so here’s the speech I gave for him:

I’m Eric, Ryan’s best man and brother.  I’d like to start by thanking the people who helped make this night possible:  Jim and Lory Payeur for putting this on… the family and friends who came to decorate, those of you who’ve made it here today, and those whom we wish could have.

I would especially like to thank my brother for giving me the chance to say at least one or two embarrassing things about him in public.  It’s been a long time coming.

The beginning.  A little more than four years ago, we all attended an amazing wedding, that of Tina and Rami Sbeiti, who are also here today.  There was food.  There was dancing.  And there was a bouquet toss.  Seeing as how Ryan and Kerisa had been dating for quite some time at that point, the wedding being date #2, she joined in.  And caught it.  Ryan not only refused to make a run for it, but caught the garter as well.  It was obvious to all that these two were already quite smitten with one another.

The middle.  One of the things I’ve noticed most about their relationship is the way they’ve changed and grown because of it.  Ryan and Kerisa are wonderful parents to Taylor and Myah, taking on huge responsibilities, but making it seem effortless and full of joy.  Seeing the way my brother melts around these little girls is the main reason why I look forward to becoming a father in my own right.

Ryan has also become deeply in touch with his emotions, as seen when he worked up the nerve to ask me to be his best man a few months ago.  We were in the office at his ice cream shop.  I watched him steady himself, take a deep breath, and say.. “So.. I, uh, guess I’m, um, supposed to ask you to be in my wedding party.”  I figured out a few hours later from our Mom that I was also going to be giving this speech.

So now, the end.  But just the end of my speech.  And having already been married, I have two small pieces of advice to squeeze in before I finish.  First, and this comes from our parents, never go to bed still angry at the other person.  And second, remember that while you will sometimes argue and disagree, you are on the same team.  Always the Red Sox, never the Yankees.

So, if you’ll raise your glasses, to Ryan and Kerisa.  A long life of laughter, love, friends, and family.  Cheers.

copy some text into the clipboard

hey, tinyurl does it, why can't we?

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