Brothers from other mothers

 Let me just start by saying thank you to everyone for taking part in this special moment of our lives. We've been blessed by all the love and compassion that everyone has shown. A special thank you to Tamara for being who you are, for all that you have done and all you do. None of this would be possible if not for your hard work and dedication. Your my rock in this storm of life and I'm so happy that you will be here to walk besides me for as long as l have left on this planet. Thank you to all the groomsmen and bridesmaids it means the world to the both of us that you have decided to take part in our special day. In these past few weeks I've been asked almost on a daily basis if I was scared or if I was ready for the "Big Day". I have responded pretty much the same way every time......no. But as I sat and wrote this I thought about why wasn't I scared for one of the biggest life changing events of my life and I realized the simplicity of it all. How can I be scared of destiny and what was meant to be? I don't know if there has ever been a greater gathering of people under one roof, because these are some of the best people I've had the honor of knowing. A lot of them I've met because of the home depot, including my lovely bride to be for that I am thankful to the Home Depot for my employment. There are times I may hate my job but, much wealth has come to me by way of that  "pumpkin prison". Like my fellow inmates, Kyle, Tom, Becky, Shanzae, and Jim to name a few.

Kyle was the first person I really even talked to when I began my employment. He was my immediate supervisor, took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. He furthered my addiction to gaming by introducing me to Xbox live and was always there to have my back in the virtual trenches an the real ones too. He also played a part in pushing Tamara into my arms, considering he was always in her ear telling her how much I cared and how the person she was dealing with was below par. Since I met Kyle he has always been the one who would say, "Don't worry about it dude I got it". I always knew lean on him in my time of need or confide in him when I just wanted someone to talk to. Thank you Kyle for always being there whether I needed you to be or not.

Jimmy worked at the other end of the building so l didn't speak with him as much in the beginning. Once I did start to talk to him we hit it off right away probably because the both of us are some of the biggest nerds I know and if there was ever a person I would like to see on Jeopardy Jim would be that guy. He's also the guy that showed me some of the finer things in life when it comes to food, drink, cigars and the rest of life's little indulgences. Thank you Jimmy for showing me that if your going to do it, do it right, don't be cheap there is no substitute for quality.

It took me a little longer to get to know Tom and I'm not sure if it was because he's a big intimidating guy or if it was because he's a little more reluctant to let people into his inner circle. Tom is like that big older brother he speaks volumes in a look, or the drop of his glasses from his brow I think of him as a gentle giant with a unique and poetic outlook on things. Thank you Tom for making me look at things in a way I would have never seen them, if were not for your insight.

Orlando I met at my previous employer, jiffy lube now for those who may not know him he's a wildcard. We often refer to him as captain Morgan not only because of his looks but because of his actions. He is a pirate and a rebel and no situation could ever dictate how he acts because he is consistently the same person regardless of his surroundings. Thank you Orlando for showing me that it doesn't matter what people think just be true to who you are.

The last two groomsmen I want to thank are the two I've known the longest. They've know me since elementary school and have been with me thru some of the most trying times in my life. They have been there when I needed them and we never lost touch even when we were miles apart. I could fill volumes with stories of the things we've done and the things we've learned from each other.  I've grown along with them from the boys we were to the men we've become. The only reason I'm grouping you two together is because the both of you have been my brothers before I ever had any. Thank you Talib and Tony for being my brothers and helping me realize that brothers don't have to come from the same womb.