Brad & Megan Reynolds Family

Dear Mom & Dad,

I can honestly say that I do sometimes feel like Nephi in the fact that I'm one of the few lucky ones in the world today who was born of "goodly parents". I can't thank you enough for raising me in a home that was full of love and support. Many things were simply not an option growing up and I'm thankful for that sort of wholesome culture that was in our home. We were taught to attend church meetings, become Eagle Scouts, seek higher education, never give up in sporting events, honor the priesthood and serve full-time missions. Doing those things really seemed automatic and we really did not question the high expectations you had of us. So, either we were all just exceptional kids or you had the parenting thing down to an art, or maybe it was a little of both (LOL). I hope to be able to accomplish the same things with my own family.

Disciplinary action started at an early age, but it was while doing something we all loved to do—basketball. I think every young family should have the luxury of an unfinished basement so as to practice their ball-handling skills. You always were there in full support for any sporting or extracurricular activity. Mom, I always liked hearing your enthusiastic cheers at our basketball games. Thank you for doing that.

Our home was always fun. It was not uncommon to have several people at our house hanging out and having a good time, because you and Dad were such good party hosts-- now how many teens can attest to that anymore? There were a number of times we would even bring our dates home because that was the cool thing to do. Sure, one could argue that dating resources were a little sparse in our remote little town of Ashton, but some of my most memorable dates were while doing things at our house. One of my favorite indoor activities growing up was playing ping pong in the basement. We got a lot of miles out of that ping pong table. We played everything from games of Rally to games of Around the World, and regular matches to 21.

I can't believe I'm going to say this but, Dad, thank you for giving Jake and I so many Saturday morning chores. I believe those experiences have helped me accomplish other things in my life. Besides the many arduous lawn mowing tasks, the most memorable Saturday morning assignment for me was probably the time you had Jake and I put in the fence posts at the trailer court.

One thing I definitely don't miss is being on the receiving end of one of Dad's notoriously bad SCUD MISSILES. I hope you get arthritis in whatever finger it was you used to do that with …just thought I should make sure to throw that in this letter as I'm still recovering from some of those surprise attacks.

I remember some very good laughs growing up, like when we were sledding off the garage rooftop and on one trip down Reagan got his snow pants caught on a nail and was literally dangling from his behind from the edge of the roof. Where was a camera when we needed one? I also remember making fun of Dad when he sounded a little too much like Mr. Foster sometimes (love ya Dad). I remember an awe-inspiring spiritual message Dad shared for FHE one night when he read this passage from the Bible, "...It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman." As you can imagine, Mom was not too impressed with that one...And, one more thing that was certainly true and I think I can speak for all of us…we were oftentimes embarrassed by how slow Dad would drive around town. It seriously was laughable. Funnier still, I think he has gotten a little faster since then. Isn't it the reverse of what typically happens when people age? Oh well, maybe he will actually go the speed limit when he hits the ripe old age of 80 years...I'll cross my fingers.

Some other childhood memories that I cherish: Dad's coined pronunciation of "Steee...riii..ke" while umping a softball game. Mom's amazing back tickling skills of which we all benefited from on a regular basis. Mom's haircuts that I still love to get whenever possible. I also remember watching you and Dad do the Latin Hustle and the times we would all do it together. You really know how to shake that thang...

Now would probably be a good time to apologize to you for being the son that was always getting hurt. I'm not talking about self injury here like when Sharmy would voluntarily gnaw on her hand when things didn't go her way, no, I'm talking about the accident prone me…I don't know why it happened to me so much…maybe the Lord was trying to keep me humble. I have no idea. First, I fell off a ladder at a young age and cracked my skull open. Then, I did a number to my finger when the door slammed shut on it. Then I crashed the motorcycle, and the list goes on...oh, and let's not forget the time that monster sledgehammer made acquaintances with my face—ouch! I forgive you Dad…One thing is certain, I am a stronger person having been through all that stuff and maybe a little dumber too.

Now, I need to pass out some serious kudos…I've always loved the fact that I have never once heard either of you use bad language (I hope I didn't just jinx you by saying that). I think it is remarkable. Mom, you were always so kind and I'll never meet another lady who kept a house quite like you did (no offense to my perfect wife of course). I do miss some of that good home cookin' and that's saying a lot given that I'm the "picky" one in the family. I especially miss the following food items in no particular order: snowman pancakes, special 'K' treats, no bake cookies, homemade salsa, corn from our garden, potato & pea soup, chili cheese dogs, tacos with Catalina dressing, homemade carmels and fudge that were within reaching distance from where Jake and I slept, and Sunday dinners (all of them). You know, one thing I did always think was kinda funny was the fact that we always seemed to have a box of Grape Nuts in the cereal cupboard. What was that all about? Did anyone ever eat any of that stuff or was it just the same old box that sat there for like 10 years?…just thought I would ask.

Mom, I always knew and still know that you loved me and would do anything for me. I would like to thank you again for coming to my rescue that night I was sleepwalking in the middle of the street wearing only Fruit of The Looms in the snow (I still have a hard time believing that ever happened). You are the best! Dad, you my friend, come in a close second. I always liked it when you would come downstairs to our room at night, sit with Jake and I, and chat. That was probably my favorite thing. I remember the day you ordained me to the office of a Deacon and received the Aaronic Priesthood...you told me at that time that I had more power having received the Priesthood than did the President of the United States-- I've always thought that was really cool. I want to thank you for all the fatherly advice over the years as well. You definitely have a knack for giving it…and, I'm sure the future will bring more of it, and, I will openly accept most of it. I look forward to many more rounds of golf with you.

Well, it has been a random letter and I'm sorry for that. But, I do want to tell you that I really am one lucky dude to have had such great parents and I have so much to be thankful for because of the way you raised me. Oh, and once again, I must thank you for supporting Joseph so much...it was a blast to have you there for so many shows. And, thank you for making a "deal with the devil"-- I absolutely love my multicolored coat. One more thing, thanks for sharing your testimonies through your examples. What a blessing it is to have faithful parents who diligently work at fulfilling their church responsibilities. Have a Merry Christmas!

Love,
Brad

FHE Memory

One night, for Family Home Evening, mom prepared an awesome activity-- a Treasure Hunt. Brook, Jake and I took turns reading the different clues with Sharmy not too far behind as we moved through what seemed like every corner of the house. At the time, walking was not an option, we literally ran, no, bolted to each clue location in excitement as we drew nearer the goal—TREASURE. To see the action from the sidelines was probably a little scary. We had so much fun! To this day, I still remember reaching the last and final location where the TREASURE was located. The last clue lead us to the basement bathroom/laundry room. This was probably the only time we slowed down to soak in the moment, or at least it seemed that way. We slowly opened the door to the clothes dryer and lo and behold there she be (sorry, pirate talk taking over). It most certainly was a treasure to behold-- Mom’s homemade snickerdoodle cookies—YUM!!! It is a fond memory for me and one I’ll never forget.

Thanks mom. I love you.
Brad