My actual toast went better than any of my practices, and probably the best compliment I got that it was "Razzle Dazzle," from my bro JD. :) I'm just happy to have added something good to the wedding; it was a great day. Without further ado, here it is (I wish I had it on video ...).
"Hello Everyone! For those of you who don't know me, I'm Brent, Reid's older, more dashing brother. We're going to do a few toasts here, so make sure you have your glasses filled with your favorite beverages. First off, I wanted to thank everyone for making today possible, including Mom and Dad who did an amazing job with the landscaping and a thousand other tasks. Holly's Dad Ted helped with all the party setup and is a mastermind at hanging lights. Lynn provided an amazing rehearsal dinner with her now famous lasagna. Thank you Aunt Bonnie, Aunt Heidi, and helpers for the catering and service today. And, also VERY IMPORTANTLY we need to give a little pre thank-you the DJ and bartenders for keeping this party going all night long – no pressure guys!
Reid and I are only 16 months and 3 inches apart. We grew up very close. Going through all the old photo albums this week it reminded me that we were literally always together; rarely is there a photo with just the one of us. I also noticed that Reid has 3 classic poses, and ONLY three. In classic pose #1, Reid give the camera a “why the hell are you taking a picture of me look.” Classic pose #2 is Reid showing off his belly. Classic pose #3 is the most priceless with Reid having about a gallon of drool on the chest of his shirt and some more drool coming off his chin. Even though Reid wasn't the most photogenic we grew up together and became best friends and sometimes biggest rivals.
I was always grateful that Reid was able to keep Mom and Dad's attention most of the time with all kinds of stunts. He was always the more mischievous and wild one while I was able to sit back and be entertained. Inevitably, Mom and Dad would need to punish us boys to get our attention. Punishing Reid was nearly impossible, so Mom and Dad had to come up with some creative punishment. Dad made this cat of nine tails type device with a wooden handle and leather straps coming off it which I thought was pretty intimidating ... Reid on the other hand would get a couple swats with it and laugh the entire time. Mom and Dad needed to come up with even more creative ways to get our attention. Reid and I were about 11 and 12 years old one day when we were probably telling each other just how much we enjoyed each other’s company. Mom must’ve had a bad day because she had a short fuse; she came up with the most creative and effective punishment yet. Mom decided the best punishment would be to have us hold hands, look each other in the eyes, and tell each other loved each other. I don't think we performed the act admirably enough because then Mom took it to the next level … I’m sorry to say Holly that you were not Reid’s first kiss because Mom made us kiss ... on the lips. I'm glad to see that Reid has found someone who enjoys kissing him on a daily basis because I sure didn't.
All kidding aside, Reid is a great man and has been a awesome brother to me and friend to so many of us. Some of his greatest strengths are his positive attitude, charisma, and loyalty. He makes the people around him happy and in the end that is what makes him great. The fact that is becoming a NASCAR fan is just an added bonus for Holly.
All the Beros are excited to welcome Holly and her family into our family. I'd imagine especially my Mom who finally will have a girl around after more than 25 years of just boys. JD and I get a cool new sister who has to set us up with all her girlfriends. :) We know that Holly is committed and dedicated after a nearly decade-long relationship with Reid, well and maybe a sucker for punishment too. :) And, just because she is beautiful and funny doesn't mean that she is a prissy girl. Just a couple days ago I was watching Holly use the table saw ... it wasn't even a big deal to her. I was impressed but more so scared she was going to cut a finger off just days before the wedding. Apparently she's taken a power tools class ... looks like my Dad will finally have someone who can help him out with all his projects.
I am very excited for Reid and Holly. I know that the two of them are a great match for one another, just wait 'til they get out on the dance floor. Let's all raise our glasses to Reid and Holly and wish them a happy marriage and prosperity. To Reid and Holly, Cheers!"
