Ladies and gentlemen, getting married is a big step.
You don’t take it lightly.
So I think it’s only marriage?
As it happens, the answer, I think, is “yes” – which is a relief, because I wouldn’t have enjoyed spending the next five minutes telling you that this wedding is all a big mistake.
So, seeing it’s good news, I thought I might tick off some of the reasons I’ve come to that conclusion.
I think the best way to judge whether someone is ready for checklist: Is he responsible? Is he reliable? And - last but not least – is he relatively sober?
Let's start with the first one: Is Jim responsible?
A responsible person, in my book, is someone who is willing to say “The Buck Stops Here.”
And Jim has been prepared to say that more than once. So I think we can mark him down as marriage material on count number one.
Count number two, of course, is: Is he reliable? I think so.
You couldn't say he has always been 100 percent reliable, I have to admit.
If you weigh it all up, though, I think you'd have to say that Jim has what takes to be a reliable family man.
So that makes two out of three. Responsible and reliable.
Now - what about relatively sober? Well, when he gets to his feet you'll be able to see for yourself.
I suppose I could tell you a story or two about some episodes in his past where he wasn't the most sober guy in the room, but I personally believe that it's a shame to spoil a wedding that way.
You don't really want to upset your family by having the sordid details of one or two of your less dignified moments announced on your big day.
So I think we'll just let that one by, Jim, and score you, let's say, 2 and a half out of three.
Which is most definitely a passing grade. So congratulations, Jim.
You qualify as a man ready for marriage, and you couldn't have chosen a better person to share it with.
Jim, it’s an honor to stand here today as your Best Man.
You and LeAnne make a terrific couple, and I want to wish you many years of love, laughter, happiness, success, and joy.
And I know that however things change, and whatever fate rolls your way, you’ll make the most of everything you have.
God bless you both, and may the life ahead of you be all you have ever dreamed of.
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