The Best Man's Speech

This is Rich's speech as it was written.

As we all know Rich has fish on the brain so the reference to catching fish was elaborated upon for a few minutes!!! As was a few other parts, but you get the idea!!

Well here it is, the speech so many of you have been interested in.

As many of you know I am the YOUNGER brother of the Groom I emphasize younger, not little?.That was a fine day when I figured that out.

At any rate I will do my best not to embarrass anyone or myself. 

Being Tim's brother, I've obviously known him for some time now. We had the typical love hate relationship for a long time.  He would get mad at me for following him around. At the same time he would talk to a few bullies and inform them they were best off not messing with me?

  Things changed when the family moved to Texas. Mom had to stay in Connecticut to take care of the old house, Dad, Tim and I stayed in an apartment for a few months. Tim and I became friends quickly as we didn't know anyone yet. When we did start to make friends, we landed in the middle of the same group of folks. We basically did everything together because we had the same friends. Heck, I didn't even get a car till I was 17 because Tim drove me everywhere.. I didn't need one.

That was the beginning.

We soon became much more than brothers, we were friends, close friends. To add to that we have incredibly similar interests, we both seem to be attracted to animals with scales, Tim lizards, me fishes?. I also heard once that Tim likes bats too, I'm not so sure what that's all about but anyway, I started following in Tim's footsteps again, only this time he didn't get mad. He encouraged me and helped me along. Everyone at school knows the Carter brothers!

But how did Tim and Julie Hook up??

Well Mike and I would like to take most of the credit?..My family moved to Georgia at the same time Mike and Jules came down from Connecticut. Mike and I met through High school and soon became great friends, soon the rest of the Pesaturo clan moved down and at last Tim transferred from Texas. The families became good friends especially Tim and Mike and I.. the three Brothers as it were. In the process Tim met Jules and the rest is history.

So now I have a new sister. Actually she's not so new to me. Jules has helped me out several times since we first met, always being my sister in effect. She is incredibly fun. I can't imagine a better person to call sister.

I think one of best parts of all of this is the lasting friendship Jules and Tim, Mike and Kate, and Ann and I have developed. We have Hiked together camped together and rafted together and Caught Stinking Six pound trout together The first time he went fishing. (this is were he went off on a little tangent!!) Just the start of some wonderful times I know will last.

Looking around the room I can tell I am not the only one who cares so much for Tim and Jules. Not only are there many people here who have come to share this special time but some have come from a long way. California, Boston, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey and overseas, England. I did a quick calculation that's over 100,000 miles one way. And they will travel another 100,000 miles as they return home. If nothing else hints at the type of people Tim and Jules are, this does.

I have always known I would do anything for Tim. I love him. A lot. I now have the pleasure To do anything for Jules too. I love her.  A lot. I love you  both.

Here is to the two most wonderful friends, brother and sister, couple anyone could hope for. I'm proud of you both.

To Tim and Jules