Toast + Tribute to Morgan on His Wedding Day - June 10, 2009

My brother Morgan and I are separated in age by slightly less than 3 ½ years. By adult life standards, that’s practically the same age. Growing up, however, that span of time created a hierarchy in our brotherhood/bunkmate arrangement of which Morgan assumed the lead role.

I recall the EARLY mornings where I would awake to find Morgan perched on my bed in the room that we shared. He was looming over me- incessantly requesting my assistance with his paper route that day. It wasn’t actually help that he desired. It was companionship. I eventually gave in… most of the time.

Back in those days, paperboys had to do their own subscription fee collections- a bona fide nightmare for an introverted people pleaser like my brother. So what would he do? Drag me along. Not for muscle, but for companionship.

I knew that at the end of that abhorrent task we would go and blow the loot on video games at Alpha Beta or Appetito’s. We shared a compulsion for those “Machines” as our grandpa would call them. “Now don’t go and put all of this in The Machines!” He would admonish us anytime he handed out a little pocket change. But boy did we. All of that and then some. Personally, I enjoyed the games that pitted us against each other, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, etc. On the screen our size and strength was evened up. So I could beat him pretty much all of the time. He was frustrated and would gesture physical retaliation. But I couldn’t help it. I was compelled to beat him to assert myself- even if there was some potential harm on the horizon.

And those who know Morgan well know that he also finds it very important to fiercely, albeit quietly, assert his own values in the face of potential adversity. While many of us might not relate always to his means and methods, we can recognize his passion. And his loyalty. And his strong sense of honor. In fact, the rest of should be so lucky as to emulate his commitment to family and friends. Many people say “There is nothing more important than family,” but Morgan walks the walk. He is as empathic and supportive as one can be with never a foul word to say about anyone. I believe that people often give gifts they would cherish in the own lives. And for those of us fortunate enough to recognize and accept it- Morgan’s companionship is his greatest gift.

In closing, I want to say to Mrs. Kasha Strub, thank you for accepting Morgan for all that he is. In good times and in bad. In sickness and in health. God bless you both. We love you. Salud!

[I read the speech from a pdf stored on my phone.]