Role Models

I've been thinking a lot lately about role models.  Recently, one of Adam's Young Men leaders was released, and I was particularly sad to see this man be reassigned to another calling.  (He was put in as Elder's Quorum President yesterday--yikes!).  Brother Taylor had the blessed responsibility of working with both Adam and Matt, and both of my sons said they really admired this man.  I am grateful for the positive role model he has been for my boys.  I have grown more and more thankful over the years for the gift of having great people in my family's life.  There's nothing like someone who not only "talks the talk" but "walks the walk."

Adam had a tough track season with problems in his knee (Osgood-Schlatter disease) and hip (strained hip flexor).  After a few very painful attempts at racing, he finally shut it down for the season and started working with a physical therapist.  Brother Taylor was aware of his disappointment since he's a former cross country and track runner and present-day recreational runner and asked frequently how therapy was going.  Then, after Adam was cleared to start running again, Brother Taylor advised him of a community race he could do to test out his legs.  He was running in it as well, so Adam was stoked to take on the challenge.

Although we're not Cougar fans, this seemed like a
good place for Adam to test out the wheels again.

There really wasn't a starting gun or anything.  After singing and/or
listening to the BYU fight song, someone just started running.
Everyone else followed.

  

Adam was hurting pretty bad by the end, but he did manage
a second-place finish.  There was no clock, so we're not sure
just how fast he ran.  He was gassed.

I loved seeing the two of them standing next to each other,  listening to race
 instructions.  I hope one day that Adam can have the same
positive effect on a young man that Brother Taylor has had on him.

Thankfully, Brother Taylor is just one of many men who have been good role models for my boys. I'm also pleased to say that they have had many positive female role models in their lives as well. Wish I could offer a great big "thank you" to each and every one of them. So, if you are reading this and have helped to shape the Youngs in some way, I offer my deepest gratitude.  We feel blessed to be surrounded by good people who make us want to be better and serve more.  Y'all are great!  (That reminds me:  Rachel gets home in 1 month and 22 days!!)