Dave's actually asked me to say a few words, so I actually spared no small expense with this (waves A4 paper)
When Kimber called and asked me if I would say a few words in toast to David, the first question that crossed my mind was, 'why me'? Well maybe it's because we've been friends for 15 years. Maybe it's because we come from very similar backgrounds. We're both middle sons from large families, with very strong religious backgrounds, mine happens to be Irish Catholic, and David is Baptist and Mexican. Quite possibly it's because we share the same birthday.
But whatever the reason, I think that there's one reason why all of us have gathered here tonight to celebrate Dave's birthday. Dave is just about the best friend any one of us could have. In fact, he's the kind of person that no matter whom you are or how long you've known Dave, you cannot help but feel like he is your best friend. He makes us feel that way. And while many of us have known David for quite a few years, I cannot help but believe there's a whole bunch of BFFs, in Finland, Japan, San Jose, and many other places around the globe, who wish they could be here with us to celebrate.
So .let's raise our glass to our friend, brother, father, and soon to be grandfather! To David Rios on his 50th birthday! And let me leave this with an old Irish toast, which seemed to be particularly appropriate today: 'May you live to be a hundred, and one extra year to repent!'
Cheers!