Speech by Derek

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Derek
Speech Date: 11/06/2014 01:11:38

The brilliant philosopher, musician, physician and theologian Albert Schweitzer said” Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also becomes richer and happier”

I believe that everyone here shares my excitement for my brother Sean and his wife Linda as they start their new life together. The joining of our 2 families makes me proud and blessed to be surrounded by such genuine passion for life and family. It seems to be somewhat of a common thread that Pasta and Potatoes seem to attract to each other. So by default, we can say we are all a little metz a metz.  So before I share a few stories and pay tribute to some very special people I'd like to raise a glass to our Verde Family with a … “Cinzano or 100 years,” To our Bastiaans family I say “Prost” and to the Kishel side… “Stolicka” and of course to the Martin family I say “Slainte and for our urban roots “Top of the morning to Ya”.

“I would sincerely like to thank … Dr. Bob and Cory Verde for hosting such a beautiful occasion and for accepting my brother into your family. As a father of daughters myself I can only imagine the pride you are feeling. I only thank God that I have a long time before I feel the same.  To Linda and Sean for giving me the opportunity to be involved in your wonderful day.  I know that a huge amount of effort has gone into planning an event such as this and I applaud Cory, Linda the bridesmaids and everyone else who had their hands in the clay to make this a truly spectacular union. Many hands make for light work… but I'm certain at times it didn't make for light anxiety.  But now it's time to enjoy. I can only hope that, aside from my speech you are about to be subjected to, everything has exceeded your expectations.”

So my little brother Sean. My fearless, resilient, strong willed little brother Sean who endured probably more then he deserved growing up. I offer a few bits of wisdom. Always remember these 3 words “you're right Linda”. Never go to bed angry… always stay up and argue. You may be amazed at the result. And live each day like it is your last and each night like your first.

To my brother Sean who we would launch in the pool actually attempting to throw him out of it… and he'd come back smiling for more. Sean who would stand up to anyone… once he knew Chris and I were behind him. My bro Sean, who has a heart of gold, silver tongue and certain confidence that is unparalleled. Along with the hazing, I truly hope I gave him some of that.  Who has grown up from the little boy who sucked his thumb constantly with kool aid stained lips, threw rocks at me while mowing the lawn and then ran behind my dad. To a man who I can honestly call my best friend, my confidant, my Irish twin and 1 of 4 people in this world along with my father, my brother Chris and our adopted brother Paul who I would choose first to be in a foxhole with. An unshakeable bond that we all have is makes me swell with pride. So with that I'm proud of you little brother.

And so happy that you found one of the most genuine, down to earth, easy going, driven, successful, intrinsically motivated and wittiest NYC girls I have ever met. Oh and by the way… super intelligent. Oh Yeah my sister in law Linda is wicked smart. MBA, a job title that you need a translator for and credentials that rival any successful business person.  I say this with the utmost confidence … you are the single best thing that has ever happened to Sean. I've never met anyone who has kept him so grounded and conscientious. Seriously, 2 weeks ago my brother left his own bachelor party before midnight. Before Linda, yawl know he'd be leading the charge.  From the moment I met Linda I knew she was special and one day would be part of our family. These two were destined. You couldn't script it better. Linda goes on a blind date to The Elbow Room… of all places. Realizes the guy she met there kind of sucks and as a result meets Sean… and rest is history. See I told you she was wicked smart. Or better yet, Sean was for being in the right place at the perfect time.

Linda is obviously beautiful on the outside but more importantly beautiful on the inside. And very cool. In one breath we can strategize about our talk fantasy football draft and in the other breath she can explain how she gutted deer last year, played rugby in college and trained in Krav Maga.  And of course would practice on Sean.

So in my sincere effort to not subject everyone to more of me, I'd like to close by quoting Mother Theresa

Smile at each other. Smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other- it doesn't matter who it is- and that will help to grow up in greater love for each other.”

And

 “To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.”

So may you always smile at each other and always have an abundance of oil for your lamp.

Cheers.