Last month, my brother got married in a beautiful ceremony in New York. I gave a toast at the rehearsal dinner and in true Kerri-fashion, I stuck to what I know best – TV, movies and Pearl Jam (well, that was more for my brother). The toast is below and you’re all going to think I’m nuts. But my brother got all the references!
Welcome to the family, Danielle!!!
Among many things, my brother and I share a very strange unique sense of humor. Possibly because we spent a lot of time together watching movies, TV shows and listening to, of course, Pearl Jam.
A lot of Pearl Jam.
When I thought about what I should say tonight, it seemed pretty clear I needed to talk about his journey. And where better to start than…
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… Alone, listless… breakfast table in an otherwise empty room. My brother knew from a very age that there’s always money in the banana stand, and he set out on a quest to better himself. Meticulous, ambitious, constantly studying numbers like 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42.
He left Monessen, PA to travel the world with stops in places like Washington D.C., London, New York, Denver – the sunshine state. Gorgeous. Gorgeous! Because he knew if you build it, he will come.
He saw many interesting things along the way – flap jacks (even if it’s too early for flap jacks), Zach Morris’ cell phone, the Guiding Light, the hatch, the polar bear, the French chick, the Others – but the “Constant” was to avoid any imperial entanglements. And when he was lucky, he’d have a nice little Saturday. Go to Home Depot to buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that. Maybe go to Bed Bath & Beyond – I don’t know. I don’t know if he ever had enough time.
I have to admit there were times when he did some odd things and I’d think McFly. Hello, McFly! Are you having trouble with your TPS reports? Didn’t you get that memo? Of course, he would just answer back with something trite like, size matters not. I’m on my journey!
And what a journey it’s been.
To all of you here tonight – you probably think I’m crazy. But dammit, I’m a doctor, not a public speaker.
To Danielle – I’m so happy my brother’s strange unique journey led him to you. Just don’t call him daughter. And I gotta say it – you know I gotta say it – you can’t find a better man.
To Kevin – the force is strong with you. Mmmmm.
The thing about journeys is they never really end. So what’s next for the two of you? Space, the final frontier? Who knows for sure! But I think we should all raise our glasses and toast to one amazing journey that I hope you both enjoy together. Nothing but the best. Because this next phase of your lives is no doubt going to be LEGEN-wait for it and hope you’re not lactose intolerant-DARY. True story!
Cheers!
What a fun speech, Kerri! I was reading through trying to figure out the references, and I definitely didn’t get all of them. And now I’m so curious about some of these lines! You’ll have to tell me at some point!
Kerri, It sounds like a terrific speech, and I’m not sure I got ANY of the references. I also have almost no knowledge of Pearl Jam. I’m sure, though, that your toast was most excellent. Congratulations to all!
Fun speech. And I actually got the references (got to love some Pearl Jam Mermaid Susan:)…)…
Best Wishes to Kevin & Danielle, she is lucky to have a Sister-in-law as GREAT as YOU!!!
Terrific speech. It’s evident that a lot of thought, time and love went into it. Well done !
I LOVE THIS.
You are EPIC, my friend. Epic.
I still have the speech I wrote for my best friend’s rehearsal dinner. It’s scribbled on bright yellow legal pad paper and stained with tears — I didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. I had it taped to the front of my refrigerator for years. Such a great memory.
Your speech is refrigerator worthy, my dear. Consider it. xox
🙂
There is soooo much I love about this post!!! Wish I was there to hear it in person ;o) Kevin is lucky to have such a clever sister!
Kerri,
What a fun speech. I managed to get many of the references, which surprised me to no end since usually things go right over my head. But, I was looking for them! I was determined to find some that I knew. Lol.
It looked like a beautiful wedding, and I’m sure your toast was the most memorable thing of the day. 🙂 You know, besides the beautiful bride and true love and all that stuff.
Definitely put that speech on your fridge for a long time.
Awwwwwww, the burning question I have now is if you made it through this awesome speech with dry eyes? xoxo
Great picture and GREAT speech! Definitely refrigerator worthy! And apparently I watch too many movies and listened to too much Pearl Jam because I got it. LOL! 😉
Awww.. Kerri. Wpnderful toast. Wish I’d asked you to help me with mine when my brother got married. Yikes! Many well-wishes to your brother and new SIL..