Normy Norm – A Best Man’s Thoughts on the big day
Good evening everyone
When Norman asked me to pack some shorts and slops to stand aside him for this wedding I naturally agreed immediately. I was enthusiastic and told him I had better start planning at once, He said no don’t worry planning is not required, things will just happen. I would never have believed it possible were it not for the sight of the bride-to-be being driven down the 13th hole of a golf course the day before the wedding to find Norman and tie up some loose ends. I will let tonight’s groom elaborate on that later. I do believe that Lily deserves a round of applause for pulling a rabbit out of the hat and seeing to it that we are all here to celebrate tonight.
Love and best wishes have come from Kazakhstan, Botswana, Singapore, England and even Jeffreys Bay. Naturally there are important people that have played meaningful roles in the bridal couple’s lives who are unable to celebrate with us this evening. They would have loved the occasion and we would have loved to share it with them, they are dearly missed. Please rise and join me in a toast to absent friends and family.
I met Norman on the side of a hockey field and an unlikely friendship began. He disliked me immediately but somehow I misread his feelings and invited him to my 21st. It didn’t take long for him to stamp his mark, and true to form he even turned up the music so loud at the party that the speakers on my brand new hifi rattled off the counter and crashed onto the floor. It is safe to say that the 25 years we have known each other have been a sensational mix of fun and adventure.
Norman is a man who has some peculiar habits. To see him with a hamburger in his hands is an experience second to none because regardless of its size, whether it be a junior steers burger or a triple deluxe cheese burger with extra relish and pepper sauce and chili fries on the side, the challenge remains the same – finish it all in 3 bites. The first time he came around for a family dinner, my mother sat staring in disbelief but she interpreted his actions as a clear sign of him loving her cooking and he immediately became a firm favourite in her eyes. She was a good judge of character and while she always acknowledged his naughty side, she loved him immensely for his true nature and how right she was.
While penning some thoughts for my speech I was caught in the middle of two approaches: On the one hand I had the option of telling some mouth watering, eye opening, spine chilling and outright mind blowing stories of the adventures of Norman. Now while this is indeed a very attractive option, I opted rather to focus on the effect Norman has had on the people involved in his life. When somebody talks about Norman or conversation turns to experiences with the man, everyone’s eyes immediately light up and a tangible passion and admiration stirs among his friends because of the impact he has had on the lives of so many. It is uncanny how the stories always feature the same threads, they speak of a man of integrity, devotion and dedication. They speak of a man of honesty and loyalty. They speak of a man of adventure, fun, laughter and camaraderie.
Having said that, Norman is also often caught in the middle.
Half of him wants to be the old man with a bic pen in his pocket and half of him wants to be dancing on the tables to a David Kramer classic.
Half of him wants to be sitting at his laptop laboring over excel extrapolations and half of him wants to be leading the All Blacks in his own rendition of the Haka
Half of him wants to be driving through the Kruger Park kaalgat while sipping a beer and half of him wants to be showing the old lady caretaker of Menlyn Place his surfing moves
Half of him is the footloose fancy free reckless abandon teenager and half of him is a devoted and sentimental family man
There are definitely many more half and half’s, much like a black and tan drink of which we had plenty, but either way you look at it they all combine to make up an extraordinary man. A man who will go to any length for his family and friends, a man who will kill-a-da-bull for you and a man who would fearlessly slay the dragon while those around him would run. Norman is a man amongst men, a friend, a father, and now a husband to a most beautiful bride. A happy husband, long may that continue.
Lily, I ask that you look after our friend, trust and respect him and share the love and adventures that he has to offer. Norman, I ask that you look after Lily and stay true to the belief we have in you and show her love and adventure as only you can.
As the famous Italian poet Dante said: Remember tonight…. For it is the beginning of always.
Cheers