Best Man Speech

So for those of you who don't know me, I'm Jabo's younger brother formerly known as his little brother. I've grown out of that I think actually I was promoted when he started wearing my hand-me-downs First I'd like to thank Katie's parents Leah and Scott for all that y'all have done getting this wedding together and allowing us all to be here sharing in this joyous occasion I'd like to also thank my parents James and Susan sitting over there. For all that they've done assisting as well for this wedding and putting on the rehearsal dinner last night. Now my brother and I, have not always gotten along but he's always been there for me. Through thick and thin, no matter what happened, he's always been there for me. He was there for me when we were in our car wreck when I was younger and I had to be fed liquids through a straw. He was actually the one who got the Gatorade squirt bottle to do so for me. It's a lot easier, if anybody's had their jaw wired shut or anything close to that, I didn't but it's a lot easier if you have a squirt bottle rather than a straw. He was there for me... ...*sniffle*...Sorry. He was there for me and stood up for me when I was being picked on at basketball camp. He was there for me when I was becoming the man of the house. Even from a thousand miles away. I know as much as he has been there for me through life; he will also be there for his new bride. Supporting her and her dreams. Lifting her up in when she is down and wiping away her tears in times of sorrow. Jabo taught me to love the outdoors and always practice hard as if you were playing in an actual game. This is my daughter Jemma. And to always give 110% effort at everything that you do. ...*Sniffle*... These are lessons I know he will also pass along to his future kids and I can't wait to see them grow together as a couple and one day a family Now I have a letter. A very old handwritten letter. Something that is hard to come by nowadays. This particular letter is special to me. You can tell that because my ADHD hasn't caused me to lose it these past 13 years. This is a letter from a Marine to his brother. It details the first contact I had with Jabo since he had been deployed. Bare with me for a minute. It's not going to be too long. He writes in very big words (handwriting). [audience laughter] It says "Hey bud I'm sorry we didn't get to see each other..." My hand is shaking too. "I'm sorry we didn't get to see each other before we left but I really think it was a good idea for you to go to Hawaii. If I didn't I wouldn't have told you to go because I only want the best for you. I know I haven't always been there for you and I'm sorry..." ...*Sniffle*... "but I want you to know that I'm really proud of you and I love you. When I get back, no matter what, I'm going to watch you play Football." That didn't happen but that was... [audience laughter] He would have been but I got injured so that's my own fault. "and if you want to still you and I can go coyote hunting. Have fun this school year and I love you!" Groom: "I don't even remember writing that." Best Man: "You might not have. but I received it." That's my brother. That's how caring and considerate he can be. With everything else going on. With all sorts of things on his mind. He took the time to make sure I knew that he was still there for me. Even when he was a thousand miles away. And actually at that point I think he was 8,000 miles away. I think he was in Afghanistan at that point. On top of this letter I have something else, surprisingly, that I held onto for all of these years. For those of you who've seen me outside of this tux. You've likely seen the cross I wear around my neck. I've worn a cross every day since I was baptized at 13. For a short time the cross wasn't alone around my neck. I wore a pair of dog tags around my neck as well every day that Jabo was deployed I prayed constantly while he was oversees. Holding my cross and the dog tags close to my heart. Praying that my brother would come home alive. Katie... I have a gift for you As my new sister and love of my brother's life; I can't think of anyone better to deliver this gift other than a MARSOC Marine who fought side by side with Jabo in Afghanistan [standing ovation] I'm not done yet [audience laughter] Now it's time to pass these on to my new sister, Katie. Katie I give these dog tags to you as a symbol. A symbol to remind you that even in times of war times of sorrow and despair. There is always a sliver of hope that can be held onto. That hope will shine brighter within you the closer you are to God. I ask that when times get tough in your marriage, trust me they will, [audience laughter] that you remember these dog tags and the prayers that were spoken over them so many years ago. I ask that you yourself pray over them and pray over your marriage asking God for guidance. Jabo...the advice I have for you is simple. Actions speak louder than words but remember words hold meaning to. Think before you speak. Mean what you say. An apology can't always take back what you said and the pain that it caused. Never take this relationship or your new wife for granted. Cherish her, love her, and protect her. With that, I wish you both a long and loving marriage. I love you guys!