Brothers

Those of you who have known us, stood by us, loved us, prayed for us, sent well wishes our way through all of our "stuff," to you I say thank you. My boys are resilient, and thank goodness for that because most of their lives, their mama has sucked it up big time! I seem to have a hard time choosing the right. I like to make the same mistake about 97.8 times BEFORE I decide to choose the right. Because of my lack of choosing the right on the first try, my boys have been dragged through it. Last night, I sat on the porch and watched my big boys play soccer with each other. My boys are hilarious. They are strong and healthy. They are smart. They are articulate. They are fun. They are good. I marveled for a moment at how they have become such good boys. It's certainly not because of me. I am certain that it is because of prayers, good primary and young men's teachers, good bishops, good friends, good grandparents, good uncles, good great-grandparents, a good auntie, good people (strangers), who along the way have smiled at them, have given them $1 for helping in their yard, have encouraged them, have taught them through example to be good, good young men. Yes, they beat each other up. Yes, they tell each other to shut up. Yes, they yell at each other. But, down deep they love each other. They have always had each other and they always will. They love their mama. They are good to me. They comfort me and protect me. They teach me. They train me. They direct me in their own ways. I am immensely, and eternally grateful for the friends of mine who have never left me, who have inspired me, wiped my tears, hugged me, loved me despite my flaws. To each of you, thank you. I owe you big! These boys have been carried by our Heavenly Father more than even I know. He has held them in the hollow of His hands daily. They have been surrounded by angels regularly. This I cannot doubt. I am so thankful for a Gospel that teaches us that we have a Father. That our Father hears us and answers our prayers. These boys have been my very greatest joy, my greatest inspiration, my biggest reason for carrying on when I certainly felt like giving up. I am eternally grateful to be their earthly mama, the one who gets to hug them and love them every day. I am so grateful.