I don't know how well any of you know my Papa Sam but even those who have only had the opportunity meet him for a few minutes can tell you just how warm and kind he is. I have never met a man who thinks more about others and less about himself than Sam. He is the most genuinely generous and giving man I've ever met. He is always looking for ways to help everyone around him and never expects anything in return. He gives of his time, means, and spirit like it is the only option there is. December 2nd was my parents 6th wedding anniversary and while parents' anniversaries are not something that it's necessarily normal for a 19 year old girl to get excited about I did have a second to think to myself about how wonderful my Papa Sam has been to me, all 6 of my siblings, and my sweet mother for the past 6 years. I can't recall a single sporting event of mine, Perri's, Zach's, or Miles' that he hasn't made it to over the years. The number of times I forgot something for school and the big guy dropped everything to make the 20 minute drive out to Hyrum to bring it to me is ridiculous. I know I give the big guy a hard time.... most of the time, but I really am so thankful to have this amazing man as a role model in my life.
After Sacrament at my parents home ward my mom informed me that my big brother Zachary was going to speak with his friend from the high counsel in another ward yet again. He was speaking in my parent's building so I decided I was just going to stay and listen to him.
If you don't know how much I adore my big brother it's either because you don't know me that well or are just a little bit oblivious. If you ask me, Zachary Clyde hung the stars and can basically do no wrong. I absolutely idolize my big brother and I look up to him like no one else in this world. When my parents were married 6 years ago I was in a place in my life where I needed someone to look after me, to love me, and to be my hero; Zach became that instantly. Part of it could be the closeness in age and part of it could be the way our personalities connect but, to me, Zach and I have a bond that is different from the relationship that I share with any of my other siblings. He can calm me down when I'm in the middle of a panic attack like no one else can. He makes me laugh constantly, and has a way of assuring me that everything is going to be ok. Zach makes me want to be better in every way. In everything from sports, to friends, to church I always want to be like him. His senior year of high school was my sophmore year and I will always remember the goofy random times and memories we shared that year. He may have felt like I was his annoying tag a long little sister, that might very well still be how he feels, but nothing meant more to me than when he'd invite me to hangout with him and his friends, or his given girlfriend of the week, or just us two.
During high school when Zach was still trying to decide if he would serve a mission I fasted every fast Sunday for 6 months hoping he would decided to go. When he actually did decide to turn his papers in I realized that I was going to be without my brother for 2 years and quickly began to have second thoughts about what I had been praying for. It all turned out for the best even if I did bawl my eyes out every time someone asked how he was for those two years. I admire my brother so much for all that he has accomplished throughout these past few years. Zach has been monumental in helping Waylon and myself with Waylon's conversion and baptism and I will owe Zach for his help with that forever.
As we grow up, things change. We both have different things going on in our lives. I live far away and don't get to see Zach, or anyone in my family, as much as I would like. We're both busy working, going to school and dating. I'm coming to the harsh realization that someday as we both continue to grow up we are going to have our own families, spouses, jobs, and lives. No matter where our lives take us Zach will always be one of my best friends and hero.
I'm amazed at all the ways the Lord's hand is in our lives that we don't even notice until we look back days, weeks, months, or years later. I've had an interesting 19 years here on this earth; filled with tremendous joys, terrible heartbreaks, seemingly insurmountable hardships, and innumerable blessings. With all the things I've encountered on this journey we call life I've learned at least two valuable lessons. 1. The Lord will never abandon his children. While it may be difficult to find the Savior when you are in the middle of trials it is important to remember that he is probably the only thing keeping you afloat even if it is by such a narrow margin. 2. Everything happens for a reason. I am a firm believe in this. I am not saying we will know the reasons in this life but every trial and blessing we face in this life are brought to us with a purpose. I know you can't change the past but even if I could, I wouldn't. The trials, however menial they may seem, that I have faced have led me to the person I am today and the person I am today is a stepping stone on the way to the person my Heavenly Father wants me to become.
I am so very thankful for the time I had today to think about these two amazing men in my life. They have shaped and molded me for the better during the time they've spent with me and I am eternally grateful to have been blessed with their presence in my life.
Love always
Dan
