So my big brother is getting married this year. Never thought he would settle down but he is head over heels in love with a great woman. I am so happy for them.
I am going to be the best man at the wedding and have the huge task of toasting the bride and groom at their reception.
My brother Brandon is on here and so is on here and got some great advice so I hopped on board too.
I have written a pretty long speech (was told to aim for 5-10 minutes). I have run through it a couple of times an it averages out to about 7 minutes. I would like to know what you all think about it.
So yeah, this is the speech so far!
I have had a healthy respect and admiration for love my entire life, my parents were great role models for that, it was just that I just never "got it". I never understood it. Then I got to see it happen firsthand because B met Jenn.
When B met Jenn, my brother changed. He stopped going out with us. He started waiting by the phone, checking for texts and he started talking about this girl Jenn. It scared me. My brother was manwhore, my wingman, my go to party guy. I didn't want to lose that. I didn't want anything to change. I didn't like this Jenn. Then I met Jenn. I didn't get it at first. I didn't see what he saw in her. I didn't understand because she was so different from any of the girls he picked up in bars before. I will admit that I was a shallow, ignorant fool that night but I also saw how happy my big brother was so I decided to keep my thoughts to myself. Instead, I started to pay close attention. I started to see how he looked at her, how she looked at him. I saw how they glowed when they looked at each other. I saw how when she called, he got the biggest goofiest grin on his face and his voice got softer and he didn't care where he was or who was listening. I saw how when he put his arms around her to give her a hug she closed her eyes and sighed happily. I saw how when one moved, the other moved - like they were magnets being drawn together. I saw how they could say a thousand words with one look. I saw how when he was stressed, she soothed and calmed him with her voice, her touch. I saw how when she was sick, he instantly switch to caretaker and did what needed to be done. I read the poetry he wrote her, saw the pictures she took of him and the love expressed in both was visible to all. I watched them sing to each other like no one else was in the room. I saw them sneak away from the party to spend time together even though everyone was there. I watched them steal kisses in the corner of the room when they thought no one was watching. I saw the absolute joy on his face when he told us he was going to be a Dad. I saw my invincible paramedic brother blanch and go weak in the knees when Jenn's pelvis separated and she nearly passed out like he had felt the pain himself. I have watched them deal with problems, issues and emergencies with a calm, assurance that it will be ok because they are together.I have been seeing love in everything they say and everything they do. I knew that this thing B and Jenn had was special, it was something more than just love. We all do. Anyone who has been around them knows. Matty said this to B: This Poe quote is Jenn and you. I never knew that a love greater than love could exist, but you two have it. You have the fairytale guys. You have the real deal and you know it. You are lucky to have found it, but more importantly you are lucky to have found each other. "We loved with a love that was more than love." ~ Edgar Allan Poe Stiles said this to Jenn: You know a lot of people are calling what you and B have a fairytale, and yeah it sounds good but it doesn't fit by definition: A fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children or A fictitious, highly fanciful story or explanation. Neither of those are true for you. What you have is an authentic and undeniable devotion and love for one another that is unyielding and unapologetic in its greatness. Labels can define you, make sure you have the appropriate label. What you have is the rawest, most pure love I have ever been blessed to be around. Cherish it, cherish each other. They are both right, it is true but there is something more to it too. I was talking to my Dad about it and he said: What Jenn and B have is exceptional. It is more than love, it is fusion. B and Jenn have ceased to be separate entities and have become a new better entity fused together as one. They can no longer exist independently from one another. I think he is right. It is scary as hell to me to think about that. To imagine what that kind of love must feel like. It helps me understand how hard it was for them to be apart this fall. It makes me want what they have, but I also know that what they have is unique. It is rare but I am glad that my brother found it. I am glad that he found Jenn. Jenn and B. B and Jenn. Interchangeable but inseparable forever, for always and no matter what. Love you guys, this is for you congratulations!