This Weekend

Dear Blog,

This past weekend was one of the best for a variety of reasons.
1. I got to hang out with my family. And remember how important they are to me.
2. I was able to drive for a long time in the car. And sing at the top of my lungs with the windows down.
3. I had an epiphany. A real life-changer.

It was really nice to go to Capitol Reef and have a family reunion with the descendants of my great grandparents on my mom's side.  My grandparents all passed away a while ago, but seeing my grandma's brothers and sister was a great experience.  I love learning from the older generation and just being with them.

Elliott and I

Today I was asked the question what is the most valuable advice my parents have given me.  I couldn't think of just one piece of advice, but there are lots of things my parents have taught me over the years.
1. "You get more bees with honey than with vinegar." My mom would always say this when I was acting up.  I would get more bees (privileges and blessings) when I was sweet and kind than when I was bitter and grumpy.  One of my all time favorite mom-quotes.  The real quote is flies, but I think my mom would say bees. Makes more sense with the honey anyways.
2. "Be like a duck." When a duck gets wet, the water rolls right off its back.  My parents would say that we needed to be like ducks when someone would say something mean or rude.  We needed to just let the mean comment just roll right off my back.
3. "Don't play sports on Sundays." When I was in middle school I was picked to be on the All-Star baseball game, but they were going to play on Sunday.  It was my first hard choice between doing what is right and what is fun.  I am glad my parents helped me make the right choice and not play.  That choice was one of the most fundamental in my life so far.

Life is good, even when bad things happen.

Sincerely, Brady