Best Man's Best Moment

There were three moments at Austin and Meagan's wedding that choked me up. On only one of those occasions was I able to maintain my composure, but on the other two I just had to let go. The first time I was moved to tears was when I saw Austin's eyes glisten and his facial expression convey the raw emotion of seeing his bride for the first time as she meekly and gracefully made her way down the aisle with father Eric in arm. I've already written (below) of my wonder about this point in the ceremony, and unquestionably welled up with tears of joy for the two of them. I don't think anyone could see my face at that moment.

The second time was when I watched Austin dance with his mother, my beautiful bride since 1982. The smiles on their faces, the way they looked at one another, and the tender touches each of them had sort of made me feel like time stood still for a split second or two. As I was caught up in the moment I suddenly noticed that my cheeks were wet with tears. When the dance was over, I looked over at my dear brother-in-law, Ricky (Victoria's older), and he too was beside himself. I'll never forget what he said at that moment while we both looked like blubbering dads, "He's just such a remarkable young gentleman." I couldn't say anything but acknowledge his observation and reflection with a tearful nod and an embrace.

The third moment came when I watched and listened to my younger son, Barret, give the Best Man speech. Of all of the men that Austin could have chosen to be his Best Man, he chose his younger brother. The mere act of extending such an honor to Barret was enough to make a dad (and a mom) proud, but when I heard Barret's speech I couldn't help but feel and know again the incredible kindness God has poured out to Victoria and me in all of our children. Barret was so nervous beforehand, so much so that he really couldn't enjoy his meal, but you would have never known by listening to his words and watching his affect. He was composed and confident, but most of all he expressed the true emotion that was stored up in his heart. After lifting a glass in honor of Austin and Meagan at Barret's prompting, I sipped a bit of champagne, put my glass down and swiftly walked over to give him a big hug. I had let my tears flow again without an ounce of shame, but rather an abundance of love. So, I thought I would share Barret's speech with all of you, knowing that it will obviously mean much more to me, Victoria, Annie, Austin and Meagan than anyone else, but just couldn't resist the opportunity to pass it along here.

"Well, this is the first time I have been a best man, let alone be in a wedding at all. I do get embarrassed fairly easily, but I couldn’t want to embarrass myself in any other circumstance than to commemorate these two wonderful people.

The first time I met Meagan was when Austin and I went fishing at the Lafayette Reservoir and Meagan and Natalie came along. Meagan claimed that there were no fish in the reservoir and Austin and I were determined to show her otherwise. One disappointing hour later...I regret to inform you, we failed to catch anything that day. While we were fishing I did notice that my brother was talking to Meagan with a twinkle in his eye. After knowing Austin my whole life and understanding the way he feels by simply looking at him, I could recognize his interest in her fairly easily. I could already sense that Austin even had a soft spot for Meagan and after our fishing when we walked back to the car, Austin asked me, “So Barret, what do you think of Meagan?” I knew right then that Austin was sheepishly in love with her.

Austin has been my friend for life and will continue to be forever. He has been the biggest role model in my life and honestly, I would be ecstatic to become half the man that he is today. We have shared a lot of great times together and he truly is the best brother and most of all, he’s my best friend. I wanted to think of an attribute of Austin that would be an example of the kind of loving husband that he will be, and I had a really hard time choosing just one. He has been an encouragement to me in so many different aspects. However, I think the most memorable experience for me is how much time and energy Austin sacrifices for others. There has never been one time when I have seen Austin and he has not taken at least a short time to spend solely with me. He has made sure that he always finds time to hang out with me and this is something that really has amazed me for a long time and it has meant more than anything to spend that important time with him. Because of this example, I know that Austin will set aside everything else for Meagan. She is his priority, and Meagan, I can tell you that he will very rarely not be able to devote time to you. I thank the Lord so much that Austin was given to me. I never knew whom Austin would end up with or what kind of person she would be like, I really didn’t, but I knew that my brother should be the happiest man on the face of the earth when he’s with her and I can tell you that I have experienced just that. I know that Meagan always makes him happy and because of that, I love Meagan so much as well. I truly could not have a better sister-in-law or brother.

I want to ask everyone here tonight to remember Austin and Meagan in your prayers. You can pray that Christ would be honored and that peace and loving-kindness would always endure in their home. I know that this would mean the world to Austin and Meagan. With that, I would like to ask everyone to raise their glass high for a toast, ...We thank God for his graciousness to Austin and Meagan, and putting them in each other’s lives, and we bless them with happiness only found in Jesus Christ for all the days of their lives."

Barret, we couldn't love you more or be more proud of you. Thank you for taking a risk, being willing to expose your transparency, and allow others to join in with your love for your older brother and new found sister-in-law.

We love you so much,

Dad (& Mom)