MY BEST MAN WEDDING TOAST

by Gary Ruff May 20, 2006

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Easton has always been true to the spirit if not to the letter of the ideals of chivalry. His kindness goes beyond opening a door and pulling out a chair for you. In him you will find the most discreet, loyal and true of friends, never denying you a sympathetic shoulder or a listening ear.

The strongest force in Easton's life is his faith. His faith brings great inner resources and an absolute certainty about his place in the world, and, through that, in God's great plan. These qualities rise to the fore when he is tested and is reflected in the philosophical way in which he accepts setbacks and his humility when he achieves success.

I have lived with Easton, been through many of his times of celebration and sadness. He has many friends, both here and from heaven who wishes him and his bride well. There are many transitions we have in life, and I remember one such time the day Easton and I decided to go through the dark tunnel underneath the freeway near the Irving mall. I asked him to go first. As a joke, I let him enter as I did not follow! He came running back out when he realized I was not behind him. He decided he was going to do it whether I was behind him or not. I of course followed. Easton has always been a leader to me, and will be a good leader to his new family. We made it through the tunnel that day and today he will lead again. I will watch and learn from him, as for someday I will seek marriage also. Easton, you are a great leader.

When Easton told me he had met someone special I had to meet the woman that he had given his heart to. I met her and I knew that he was right. It was obvious that Kelly had given her heart to Easton in return and she expressed it openly and without self-consciousness in a way that touched me deeply.

And may I add that Kelly, you look beautiful today!

May the lord bless both of you, may he grant you peace, long life, and happiness together. May he grant you happy and healthy children, and may he grant you friends, such as the great ones in this room today, to share these moments with.
And now for the toast. Hold your glasses please…
A song is not a song until it's sung,
A bell is not a bell until it's rung, Love is not love until it's given away,
And today KELLY and EASTON have Given their love to each other,
While sharing it with all of us, let us drink to their Happiness