More of a personal note on this Father’s Day 2026. I had the pleasure of attending my older son’s wedding in April and hearing my younger son give a great toast in his role as the best man.
Father’s Day 2026
More of a personal note on this Father’s Day 2026. My older boy was married in April to a woman we’ve known for more than a year and really like. I had the pleasure of attending the wedding and hearing my younger son give a wonderful toast in his role as the best man.
Here is the toast he gave:
Good evening, everyone. My name is Mark (future patriarch of the Murphy Clan).
I’m Max’s younger brother. Before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge that there are a lot of great men in the room tonight—fathers, husbands, brothers… and of all of them, I’m the best.
If you haven’t met me, I volunteer at the local homeless shelter and foster abandoned puppies in my spare time. If you do know me… I ask that you hold your comments until the end.
Growing up, Max was always the protective older brother. He did his best to keep me out of too much trouble, despite my best efforts to do the opposite.
And looking back, that’s something I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.
So, Max, thank you. Your patience and guidance have helped shape me into the person I am today.
He was always there when I needed him—whether it was help with homework, refining my skills in volleyball or soccer, or just having my back when it mattered most.
And then Julie came into his life.
Since then, I’ve seen Max become more relaxed, more open, and honestly, the happiest I’ve ever seen him.
Julie, we’re truly lucky to have you in our family…Well, almost as happy as when my parents brought me home from the hospital—but we don’t need to get into that.
Max, I don’t say this enough, but I’m honored to have you as my brother.
I’m proud of you, I love you, and I’m always rooting for you.
Julie, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you over the past few years. I appreciate the effort you’ve made to spend time with our family, even when we can be a little chaotic.
It means a lot, and it shows how much you care.
I love seeing the two of you together, and I hope you have as much fun growing old with Max as I had growing up with him.
Before we toast, I’d like to quote one of my favorite poets, Winnie the Poe, who said, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think, but the most important thing is you are more loved than you know.
Now, please join me in raising a glass to my Brother and Sister.
May they have more happy years than tough years and always look to each other for strength and support.
It was a wonderful wedding, my brother flew out and we had a chance for a nice visit, as did many of my wife’s relatives. My daughter and wife did a lot to help get things setup and stay on track. My role was primarily ornamental but I was delighted to be there and to see old friends and family.
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Image Credit Jordan Peterson, used with attribution.