I had a great time last weekend at my brother Charlie's wedding. I wrote a toast, the original of which appears below the embedded video. Of course, I had a few adlibs and had some fun, partly at the expense of my awesome wife, who shot the video. My nephews were on backup vocals.
Charlie, I have to admit, this was one of the hardest things I've ever tried to write.
I started and stopped dozens of times since the day you proposed and Jenn, after calling you a "Jerk" for surprising her, said yes.
It became my own little game, "let's write Charlie's wedding toast today." But I never was able to. The reason: I've never tried to write anything where I felt the words so plainly failed to measure up to the subject I was writing about. So, Charlie, I'm going to blame my writer's block on the fact that you're such a great guy.
I jotted down a long list of attributes to describe you to people, but to be honest, it sounded more like a eulogy than a wedding toast. Besides, that's the great thing about you, my brother, is that it really isn't needed. I mean, I could probably walk up to anyone here and ask them how long it took to tell you're a great guy and we'd probably be talking in terms of seconds instead of days or weeks or months.
Of course, I do know of SOME people who haven't thought too kindly of you over the years, but I've never actually met them. They're the ones who shake their fist at you when you're driving much MUCH slower than they'd like you to on major roads.
But that's also part of what I love about you. You've always done things at your own pace. In your own way. That's been one of the most enjoyable things about watching you go from being my little brother to becoming your own man. Your steadfast generosity has been a true gift to receive, and I've received more than my share. I've watched you fix computers (usually I'm watching you fix ones I've broken) and I sometimes marvel at your ability to stay with it until you impose your will on it and it runs better than it ever had before.
But more impressively than computers, I've seen you do this with people. I've seen you inherit a situation or a responsibility you did not ask for -- much like the computer issues that were caused by others -- and with a similar determination and grace, do whatever you can to make the situation better or make it run more smoothly.
And let me reiterate, it's not *what* you do, that so impresses me, it's how you do it. In knowing you Charlie, I've come to understand the meaning of true humility. I mean, anyone who writes "Everyday is so much better then I deserve" on Facebook has to be looking at the world with a humble heart.
And this leads me to Jennifer, or as I finally get to call you officially, my sister. My wife Erin and I are so happy that you two are now husband and wife. I have this habit of involuntarily smiling every time I think about the two of you together. Some of the hardest moments in life are not about wanting for yourself but about how you want for those you care about the most. I'll be honest that I sometimes worried Charlie wouldn't find someone who I felt measured up to the gifts he brought to a relationship.
Jennifer, it is one of the great joys in my life to see the two of you together and watch you two interact. You both have a kindness and a spirit that I feel compliments each other in ways that few people can match, but Jennifer you bring a pinch of troublemaker to the table that keeps you two from being sickeningly sweet. I would just like to express on behalf of our entire family how happy we are to have you become a part of it and how overjoyed we are that you came into Charlie's life.
I will warn you though, as the big brother who slept on the top bunk over him for a number of years, he's not a light sleeper. There were many mornings where he'd toss and turn so much the sheets would be either in a ball on the bed, or completely on the floor. I also don't know that you can use my old trick for messing with him late at night. I used to impersonate the Incredible Hulk, which would freak. him. out. Every time. I can still hear him yelling out "Mom, Chad's saying Incredible Hulk again!"
But I'm sure we can conspire to play some new pranks on him. Let the games begin!
