A Toast

I've never been good at giving toasts. Give me a few hours with a pen and paper and I have a fighting chance of expressing myself, but ask me to speak impromptu on a special occasion and you can bet that the result will be an insufficient representation of true emotion. That's probably why I didn't offer a toast on Saturday at my brother Ben's wedding. I just wasn't sure that I could express how happy I am for him and how much he means to me. What follows is my written attempt. 

This is Ben, AKA Benny, Benjamin, Sweet Cheeks, and (at one time) Flipper. This is an older picture, but I can honestly say that not much has changed over the years aside from his facial hair. Sure he's changed locations and jobs, but what I love most about my brother is that he's a constant big heart. He would have a killer singles profile: humble, generous, thoughtful, kind, hard-working, easy-going, loyal, charming, fun and unwavering. Oh, and he has "pretty" feet to boot :) But the best part is, he's always been that way. 

I've been told that when I was born, it didn't take long for Ben to inquire as to when I was going back into mommy's tummy. We had a typical little sister/big brother relationship: we fought--a lot. But somehow once we both got to high school and beyond I realized that Ben's purpose in life was not to pick on me, but to look out for me in true big-brother fashion. 

Some of my favorite Ben memories:

"I feel weird."

Convenient bathroom breaks when it was time to do the dishes.

"Alice's Restaurant," "Good Brown Gravy" and running around like "Nature Boy"

Black velvet and the Phoenix Suns

Riding to high school in his big blue bronco listening to Led Zeppelin, Donovan and Primus. 

My 17th birthday when he and his friends came running into the Commons at Flag High singing "Happy Birthday" bearing tickets to Dave Matthews and the trip that ensued.

Occasional late-night chats before he moved out.

Introducing me to classic rock, Horchata, Totoro and the Ems.

The Redwoods

Harry Potter

Newport Beach

Being my first and best friend when I moved to Oregon and letting me be "one of the guys" for a few months. 

I've always admired my brother for his ability to take whatever life throws at him. He's never afraid to try something new, to move to a new place or to take on a new challenge. He's minimalistic, nomadic and he earns the respect and love of everyone with whom he comes into contact. He's basically conquering the world, in flip flops, no less!

It's hard to watch your brother get his heart broken even once and still believe that there is a girl out there who is remotely worthy of him. And then he met...

Deborah.

From the moment we met her over two years ago, I've loved her, and not just because she's adorable, easy to talk to, likes old movies and Audrey Hepburn and didn't hate me after I threw up in the car sitting right next to her. She recognizes what a unique and amazing person my brother is and, most importantly, she makes him happier than I've ever seen him. 

Ben proposed to Deborah fairly recently with plans for a wedding within the next year or so. However, their pending transition in moving to Canada prompted moving the date up a bit--to this weekend. I didn't think I would be able to make it, as Jordan's Ranger graduation was supposed to be on Friday. But since he won't be home for another month now (more on that in another post), my parents and I decided to have me fly out as a surprise. 

It was a perfect day, full of love, family and friends, in a beautiful spot outside of Santa Fe. And now, the pictures.

Ben with Dad, AKA Doctor Love. (Sidenote: Dad was supposed to marry them until he found out that New Mexico wouldn't let him officiate because he's licensed in Arizona. They recommended that he become certified online as a minister in order to perform the ceremony. As he said, "Funny how twenty plus years on the bench as a judge in Arizona doesn't qualify me to marry my son in New Mexico, but three minutes on the internet does." He's adopted the name Dr. Love to denote his new credentials. Naturally.)

Jason the grill meister.

Pan de jamon. Delicious. Ben's boss Omar and his family are from Venezuela and his wife made this amazing treat. It was almost too pretty to eat!

This beautiful lady is the maker of the above mentioned goodness and to her right is their son Omarcito.

Too cool for school.

Too cute for her own good.

The blushing bride.

Family and friends.

Foot pop! Adian is such a good sport.

The happy couple.

LOVE

To the wedding!

The ants dance. They were EVERYWHERE, crawling all over us. I'm super impressed Ben and Deb kept their composure during the ceremony.

Husband and Wife

The Coker clan plus its newest member. Missing: Adian (where did he run off to?) and Jordan.

Do I REALLY want to sign this?

Too legit to quit!

Dr. Love's signature of approval. Done deal!

Welcome to the family, Deborah and Adian! We love you and couldn't be happier to have you officially inducted into the clan. 

Ben + Deborah

Here's to you.