I really feel like Veterans Day hits me a bit harder than my dad's birthday. My father is a veteran, having served in the Vietnam War.

I know that serving in the US Army brought discipline and focus into my father's very young life. He was arrested when he was 17 for a hit and run incident with alcohol in his car. When he appeared in front of the judge in 1966, he was told that he could either go to jail or go to Vietnam. Dad asked "where do I sign up?" My dad loved the competitive and athletic nature of being in the Army. He enjoyed shooting guns, working hard, laughing, and working with a purpose. Those traits all were magnified through his service and time. I believe that the Army truly brought direction and purpose into his life. 

I remember being 18 and having several discussions with my close friends and some military recruiters (Army and Marines). I had several cousins that had enlisted in the Marines and I wanted to do that too. I also wanted to serve a mission, but didn't know exactly what to do. I have a very short conversation with my parents, informing them that I was going to enlist. My dad said, "I served in Vietnam, so my kids wouldn't have to do what I did." I decided right then and there, that I wouldn't enlist.  

I miss my dad every day. Last night, I went to his grave site. I don't go there often, nor do I really enjoy going there. "Why seek ye the living among the dead?"(Luke 24:5). I feel that way often when I think about going to the cemetery. However, while I was standing there alone, in the twilight of evening, eating my Chicco Stick in solitude; I had this distinct thought as I stared into the sunset and darkening sky. I thought of Mufasa's voice and image coming from the sky to Simba, "You have forgotten who you are, therefore you have forgotten me...remember". I felt that was a subtle message to remember how great of a dad my father was and how proud of me he was. He loved that I was a dad, and told me that often. It gave me a bit of a bump and desire to be a better dad, to love my kids a little more, to not get burned down and worn out in live. To remember my purpose and who I am. I love my father and will forever be grateful to have been his son. 

This trip was very interesting. I haven't seen most of these cousins in almost 25 years. My mom and I made the drive from Idaho Falls, to Sunnyside. The Heckerts are amazing and I love them dearly. Casey and his sweet wife Sarah have 11 children. I believe they adopted 4 kids, had 4 of their own, then adopted Steven's kids when he was too far spent with drug addiction. Casey and his wife truly exemplify the Savior's commandment to love your neighbor. 

An amazing woman.

Happy Wednesday Amanda! I'm sending this to you via my smart phone from my air mattress in Kellogg Idahon. It is now almost 1 in the morning, and I've still got guys blowing up their air mattresses.....oh to be the shaperone (sp) of a bunch of high school boys.
  I just thought I'd let you know of some of the things I learned at camp so far to help shown appreciation for you letting me come.
1. Things aren't always as bad as they seem. Despite a lot of negatives and points or criticisms...my basketball team is growing closer together and getting better. I would love to have a team full of athletes who new how to play the game.
2. Advice from reliant resources makes difficult situations more bearable.  There are a lot of coaches here with quite abfew year of experience under their belt.  In B basketball, you won't find a coach who hasn't had an experience similarity mine starting out in Darrington.
3. I love my wife. Like you said....this is probably the maximum amount of time that I care to stay away from you.
You are my biggest fan, supporter, counselor, person. You are my everything!
What do you think?
P.s.
I love you!