September 18, 2010
Before I get
started, it’s important to preface this speech by saying that the influential
years I spent with my brother, means that he had as much of a part in
developing my sense of humor as anyone. So, although I have tried to make this
speech funny in appropriate areas, you can blame Nick if it's not.
The bridesmaids look absolutely smashing today, do they not?? (allow for applause) Rightly outshone by our bride, Sophie. She’s a beautiful woman and really makes a huge wave as she leaves the available-list, and I’m sure the guys will agree. And ladies, I'm sure you'll agree that today is quickly passing by without much of a ripple.
It is true, that
people get us mixed up, so for those who won’t be able to tell the difference
by the end of the night, and for Grandpa, my name is Dennis, Nick’s brother, and
it’s true that people think I’m the younger one.
As his only brother, I was
lucky enough to be chosen as his best man. So, I will now do my best to give
Nick the most uncomfortable five minutes of his life. For the record, the most
uncomfortable five minutes of Sophie’s life will be coming later on this
evening, courtesy of Nick.
Nick, it was nice for you, growing up with someone like me - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on.
It’s true that Nick is funny. He is one of the funniest guys I know, for about 20 minutes between naps.
It is not true, that
you ever beat me in any backyard sport.
It is not true, that
Nick is the better athlete. He had talent. I had heart. But his talent was so
small, and my heart had girth. And girth will take you a long way, right ladies?
It is not true (yes
it is) that Nick played with strawberry shortcake dolls.
It is also not true (yes it is) that Nick had has a cabbage patch kid named Clay. And it is most assuredly not true that that cabbage
patch kid was ever “allegedly” hung from the basement ceiling by me.
Fornication. Excuse
me, for-an-occasion. For an occasion such as this - I’ve spent more nights than
I can remember with my laptop on top of my lap, dry-eyeing a computer generated
blank sheet of paper. What are the things that I learned first as the older
brother? The one who was stronger, could run faster, watch TV later, and hit
the ball farther. These are big footsteps for you to keep up with.
So this is for my
brother, the 2nd man, and last man that I will ever fall in love
with:
You
were six months old and full of fun, in the blink of an eye, I watched you turn
one.
As
brothers now, there are so many things I can plan for us to do, but I turned my
head and you were two.
At
two, you clung on mom’s knee, but walking and independence took over when you
turned three.
On
your third birthday, we didn’t have to try hard to make you laugh. You were the
little brother I started to adore, but when mom lit the candles you weren’t
three, but four.
Four
was the year that you stole my show. I realized I was just going to have to
survive. Why, look at you now, you’re already five.
Now
you are cool and thought the world operated under Nick’s rule. I laughed, and
thanked God, because this is the year that you’ll experience school.
The
big day came, you were anxious to go. I was twelve and already knew the things
you didn’t know.
Before
you climbed on the bus, you looked for mom and waved goodbye, she had a big
lump in her throat and tears swelled in her eyes. But to me, your backpack
looked like a huge bulls-eye. I grabbed a small stick, and because I let go too
early, it sailed way high.
Time
goes so fast, it’s hard to believe that just yesterday I playfully shoved you
down. I didn’t know that when the bus brings you home, you’ll be wearing your
cap and graduation gown.
I’m
holding onto these moments as hard and as long as I can, because now when I
look at you, I’m seeing a man.
As
we grew up, I acted like I didn't care,
But you never knew I looked out for you and was always there.
But you never knew I looked out for you and was always there.
It is true that after nearly 30 years of sibling rivalry, you have
become my role model. And in our life of brotherhood, somewhere many years ago,
our roles became reversed. I have become the one trying to keep up with big footsteps.
Yours. I am the one who looks up to you. There are so many days that I didn’t
tell you how much I love you. So many times that I could have told you that I’m
sorry-for any shame that I brought to you.
You make me proud. You truly are an honorable man, just like dad.
Copyright 2010
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