Jake & Shelley Reynolds Family

Dear Mom and Dad,

It is during this time of the year that many memories of growing up play through my mind. As Shelley and I make memories with our own children, I strive to relive some of the memories and traditions with them. And it is not just the memories of the Christmas traditions, but several others that flash through my head. In no particular order, here are some that come to mind.

Basketball. Early morning basketball, out in the frigid temperatures just before dawn. The crunch of the snow under our shoes which seemed much louder in the still night air. We were harshly awakened by the cool shocking air as we took the first breath or two outside and our legs would start to go a little numb and tingly by the time we reached the church. I will always remember when one morning Dad said that he wasn’t going to play with the men unless I was allowed to play too. From then on, I was with the big boys. Thanks Dad. And then coming home to a pot of hot oatmeal that Mom already had on the stove. A little milk, honey, and toast to dip or spoon your oatmeal on…good stuff. From Utah Jazz, as kids, to high school varsity, we sure had a lot of fun.

The Great Outdoors. Going to the old dump on the hill with Dad to shoot the 22 guns at what ever we could find, particularly cans and glass bottles. I love that gun. And going to the rocks that over look Warm River out by the Howell’s, or freaking out Mom every time we went to Mesa Falls (before they had the walk-ways), or the majestic Tetons at Jenny’s Lake or Jackson Lake Lodge, and Sawtooth Mountain overlooking Henry’s Lake. Taking the old white corolla camping down by Egbert’s house along Warm River and getting rained out in a thunder storm in the middle of the night. The kids were panicked. Mom and Dad threw everything in the car, the kids piled in, and we barely made it up the muddy dirt road to get back toward Egbert’s and home. And the fun at Egbert’s Point with all kinds of family and friends. Just appreciating the beautiful outdoors together as a family.

The Dreaded Trailer Park. ”Get up boys, I need your help this morning,” says Dad. I sure hope there was a lot of return on that investment. To this day, I am certain it was all for “character building.” Just to name a few exciting chores: mowing lawn, putting in fence posts, mowing lawn, cleaning up lots after move-outs, mowing lawn, fixing circuit boards, and did I mention mowing lawn? And whatever “the investment” needed most Saturday mornings. I can’t wait to find something similar for my own kids.

The Neighborhood Backyard. Yes, that was our backyard. From football (in the summer or dead of winter), baseball, volleyball, water volleyball, swimming in the horse trough (little did we know), and basketball, basketball, basketball. Rain or shine…you could still find the boys and Brook out on the court. I honestly didn’t know of any other court better in Ashton. We even had the key and 3-point line. And the countless snow forts and tunnels. Riding the snow machine with Cordon’s steel sled or inner tube on the back. Great times…and all right at home.

Powerplant Visit at Fall River. Brad and I going to the plant with Dad and seeing a fridge about 3 foot tall…just our size. We made a trail of bread to lure in raccoons to the living room and watch them close up. And when it got dark, Dad gave us a glow stick and we threw it in the river and watched it glow as it floated away. I don’t know why I remember that so vividly.

Snow Sculpturing Contest. We were so proud of that green turtle we worked so hard on. I think we got 3^rd place. Go Reynolds Family!

Moment of Greatness. Brad and I, walking out of Walmart in Rexburg with our shorts pulled up to our arm pits, hunched over, with the weirdest looks on our faces. Trying to catch up to Mom and saying in our nerdiest voices possible, “Mommy, Mommy, wait fer us...Dun’t leaf us…Wer a com’in…Wer a com’in.” Mom was unable to control herself…she laughed so hard. We didn’t know whether to be proud of ourselves or embarrassed.

When it comes to my Mother, It is safe to say that all of us were and are very protective of her. You see, she is a very strong woman. And when we saw her sad, crying, or hurt, we were very troubled. She loves us more than anything. We knew it then and we know it now. When it comes right down to it, Mom was always there whether it was directly or indirectly.

Just simply looking at the experiences just mentioned, she had all the food and supplies ready to go for the camping, whether it was for the family or scouting. She was always there for the basketball games, plays, show choir, clogging, church softball, you name it. Whether it was mowing the lawn, working in the garden, cleaning my room, or doing homework with us, she was there right next to us. She was home when we left for school and when we got home from school every day.

I know I didn’t give you enough credit or show a grateful heart near as much as I should have. You never ask for recognition or glamour. Mom, you are the constant in our family. It was you that was always behind the scenes making sure we had a happy home and I will never forget that. I love you.

As for Dad, this is a tough one. Most of you do not know this story I am about to share. I think I have only talked to Dad one or two times about this experience in all these years. You see, this is during my prime know-it-all-stage at 16 years old. Slowly, but surely, I losing communication with Mom and Dad, and even with the rest of the kids. I would come home tired from basketball practice, expect something ready for me to eat and didn’t care to talk much to anyone at home. At that time, rarely did I exchange feelings of love or concern or friendship with the family.

This had gone on for some time when one day I come home from practice and as soon as I opened the door dad says, “Drop your bags Jake. We’re going for a drive.” I knew exactly what he was up to. We took the white Nissan pick-up with Dad driving. Dad was showing concern by asking about school, friends, and of course basketball…he always gave me tips and advice about basketball (which I always liked but wasn’t in the mood for tonight). He was very calm and pensive. Where were we going? I did not know. Dad continued to talk to me, but I didn’t say much. I mostly just responded with a yes, no, or fine. To this day, I don’t know why I had such a cold and disrespectful attitude toward Dad. He was trying so hard to do his best and I knew it, but I wouldn’t give him much of a chance. He drove into the country on a dirt road, which is easy to do in Ashton. Dad said he was taking me to a special place.

By this time it was dark and we came to a dead end in the road out between two fields, and the Snake River right in front of us. I began to half wonder what Dad was up to. Without a word, he got out and started walking toward the river bank. I followed and we sat down by the river. I had never seen this part of the river before and I have not been there since. A bright moon was coming up on the other side reflecting off of the dark black river, and casting a slight shadow on everything. Remember when I said I thought I knew exactly what he was up to? Well, I was expecting a good old chastisement about my attitude. There was a pause for a moment, as if he didn’t know how I would respond to what he was going to ask. And then he said, “Jake, would you kneel down with me in prayer?” I said yes and he said that he would give a prayer and then asked if I would give one after him. I agreed. We knelt facing each other and he prayed. He expressed his utmost gratitude for his family, for Mom, for each for the kids, and he especially thanked Heavenly Father for me. And he went on to talk about why he was so thankful for us. As soon as he uttered the first word to his prayer, the holy spirit fell upon me stronger than I could ever remember.

He ended his prayer and then it was my turn. I was so overcome, I could hardly speak what I felt. I truly felt as the dust of the Earth. I simply broke down right then and there on my knees before Heavenly Father and Dad. I pleaded for forgiveness with all my heart. I ended my prayer and Dad and I embraced with our emotions flowing freely. Not much was said on the way home. It was as if we were trying to hold a reverence from the experience we just had. From that moment and for the rest of my life, the relationship I had with Mom and Dad changed. I am not saying things were perfect, we still had our occasional disputes and disagreements. Nonetheless, my heart had been changed.I believe Dad was inspired that night. I will forever be grateful for having a father who cares for his children as much as Dad does for us. I love you Dad.

These are just some of the many memories I have had growing up in such a loving family. I will always remember the traditions we had during the Holidays, but it is all the other memories that made our family great and it was because Mom and Dad are the greatest. You are stalwarts who lead us in the ways of truth and righteousness.

I Love You.

Merry Christmas,

Jake