In the olden days,at weddings, they used to make sacrifices at the altar - a practice, which Eric wants to continue, as I'm it!!! I thought that being the best man would be somewhat daunting, since I'm not the 'speaker type', but ever since Eric asked me, I’ve felt pretty relaxed. Because he’s so organised and a bit of a control nut, I knew he would sort everything out, including my speech. So come on, Eric – can I have it now, please?......... Seeing this day come is a very welcome sight for his Mother and I. We know the world is a changing place and decisions have to be carefully weighed. So, we can't begrudge him for waiting, and waiting and waiting....... Watching him grow up was always interesting. I honestly can't remember any time that I saw a frown on his face, no matter what the situation.. We've never gone bar-hopping, but we have gone fishing together. We've worked on cars together and built a few things together. I guess that's where we found out who was better at what. Ask him about our 'coffee table project" We've had our share of good outcomes and some disappointments, but he would always be the one with a way around the problem. Curiously, over the past couple years, he’s even discovered a way to hammer in nails without hitting his thumb. He gets Lori to hold the nail. (He's always been a great friend and confidant.) (((((During our family's adventure, in the early 80's, both he and Dana grew up pretty quick, living in the Middle East. There were some things I never thought about preparing him for and obviously things I didn't realize would be affecting our lives. ))))) One thing though, he's never disappointed myself or his mother, in any way. (You wouldn't believe he had little chicken legs when he was 9 or 10 years old ) From his little chicken legs when he was 9 or 10 years old to the hulk he is today, we're very proud of his accomplishments. Mention the bride. You can tell stories about things you've witnessed between the couple or "nice" things that the groom has said about her to you in confidence. "I can still remember the first time Joey saw Mary. He was so excited, grabbing my shirt, my beer was flying all over the place and then he pointed his finger across the bar and said "Holy shit, look at that". Well I didn't say it was romantic, I just remember it. Mary was the girl for him from the beginning and no one is more happy than me to be standing here today." In closing be sentimental. Tell the groom how much his friendship means to you and wish the couple luck and raise your glass to them. "Joey, seriously bud, we've known each other a long time. The memories that I have of all the things we did together will be the same stories I tell from my rocking chair to my grandson. I'm proud to call you my friend. I'd like to make a toast to the bride and groom, May you be as happy 50 years from now as you are today, Cheers." Walk over and hug the groom and kiss the bride. You're done and you did a good job. ----------------------------------------------------------- - For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Eric’s father, and also the “Best Man”... - We're all very happy to be here today and were wondering when this day would come...finally! We know you’re a thorough guy Eric, but come on…6 years? I know that his mother’s excited, and his sister is happy to have the pressure off her for a bit. Well, at least ( for a while) until the honeymoon’s over. When Eric and Lori met, he was thrilled... He finally found someone as outgoing, energetic, and smart as he is. Well, she might actually be a little smarter Lori's kept Eric on his toes all this time < change sentence> I remember this story Eric told us when he flew back to Texas after being out of town visiting us. He was sitting next to this old couple on the plane and talked about Lori the entire time. He bragged about everything from her engaging beauty, endless knowledge and never ending talents. When they landed, everyone walked over to get their luggage. And low and behold, there was his shining star, Lori!!! She was scantily clad, wearing a hot pink bobbed wig, riding the luggage rack over to Eric with a rose in her mouth . He spared no time QUICKLY introducing her to the older couple as his girlfriend and getting the hell out of there. But we know these things, these unexpected surprises, are what makes a relationship worth the adventure. The twists and turns are all part of the deal. Lori, Eric, we are all here to wish you the best in your future endeavors and celebrate this day, the day we thought would NEVER come, seriously.. we didn’t. I’d like to propose a toast if everyone can please raise their glasses… Eric, take Lori's hand and place your hand over hers. Everybody look and them both Now Eric, I want you to remember this moment and cherish it... because this will be the last time you'll ever have the upper hand! Lori, welcome to the family… we'll be planning some surprises for you down the road too!