A Tribute to Good Men

Today I am feeling extremely blessed by the number of good men that I have been surrounded by my whole life. First there is my wonderful father, who from the beginning would "tickle-wrestle" with my siblings and I, would play sports with me, and who always knows what to say to motivate me in the right direction (even if he has to use reverse psychology, like when he suggested I drop out of college - sneaky move, Dad!) My daddy is the only person I have ever trusted to carry me up and down stairs - random fact, I have a fear of both heights and stairs, so it's a big deal - and his knowledge about so many things had me subconsciously convinced that he knew everything until I was 14 years old. (I can't even remember the question I asked him then, just the shock when I heard the words "Hmm, I don't know.") But even beyond those things I love that my Dad is a good-hearted man who wants to serve and help others, and his willingness to share and give have always inspired me.

Then there are my AMAZING brothers, who are my best friends (with my sisters, of course), my heroes, and my burly and hairy cheerleading squad! There are so many things that I love about each of them, I just wanted to write a quick tribute to each. And these are just the first things that come to mind.

Aaron: runs with me at my pace so we can talk, when I know his legs are capable of so much more.
Dane: co-conspirator in crime for the first...16 years of my life, and we understand each others jokes.
Ammon: is willing to throw a football with me even when he has homework, and kept me entertained (and in shape) for years by always trying to have the last touch in a fight!
Lehi: taught me how to love kids (when he was a baby) and still calls to talk to me.
Moroni: ("My-Roni") took me on the AWESOME date where I re-learned how to land a front flip and is doing a biking trip with me this summer!
Helaman: my scrabble challenger and Taco Bell companion, and yet he still enjoys eating my healthy concoctions.
Mosiah: teases me, defends me, and will ALWAYS beat me in the one-armed tickling contest.
Alma: understands (and shares) my love for food, draws the most amazing pictures, and keeps me on schedule.
Benjamin: (Bean) gives great hugs, has a very creative imagination, and isn't in a hurry for me to get married. (I don't blame anyone who is, since I definitely fall into that category, but he is refreshingly oblivious to my age and status.)
And Jonny, my brother by marriage: gives great dating advice, set me up with my semi-permanent companion (my iPhone), and puts up with me in softball. ;)

And then there are my grandpas, uncles, cousins, nephews, teachers, religious leaders, and friends who have all helped and encouraged me at some point in my life. Chances are if you are reading this you fall in one of those categories, so THANK YOU! The world isn't easy on men these days, and I just want you to know what it has meant to me that you are honorable men who really are trying to do right. Good men, I salute you.