The benefit of being a brother with different DNA is that you would have more hair, a smaller head and no heritage that includes an uncle that died on bad Mexican whisky in the arms of a senorita that wasn't his own, or a grandpa that hit on girls at his own wife's funeral. I'm sure we could come up with a lot of positive reasons that our DNA doesn't match on both sides of the fence. I guess both of us would agree that our differences are more than the normal biological maladies that siblings would possess. For the most part this has been a positive that we don't have too much in common!
Technically we're all brothers and sisters in the eternal sense - but if I understand it correctly that doesn't mean we have the same mother. It's safe to say that our greatest bond isn't because of the fruit of someone’s loins, but is a kinship that has evolved or has been forged because of events, circumstances and situations that can't be coincidences. These events have come through joy, sorrow and service that have woven a tapestry that is inseparable over approximately a third of our lives.
So much for first impressions - you put me in the same category or character as someone we have talked about often, and if I was like him I would be nauseous from the radical swings of extremism's. (That's a whole different story!) It took Lori to make sure I considered your placement in the new ward's bishopric. Then the spirit made sure it took place - this is one of the greatest tender mercies in my life. It took a while before we started to click in a way that you would know what I was thinking and start the process to take care of things before being asked. This was always done in the proper order and authority. That was even more obvious when we were released and would look in each other’s direction when something wasn't being done the way we thought it should be.
The one time calling a president was the only time I can remember we didn't click at the same pace. I had some fun with that one - but in the end the Lord's will was accomplished, and the rest of the ward sat in shock needing to receive their confirmation. My Sunday morning rituals were enhanced by our companionship discussions that weren't planned but just seemed to evolve. That relationship was founded on a service foundation has never left those precious roots. Blessings, decisions and strength have always been drawn from this relationship - the byproduct has made it stronger and more dependable.
This has evolved into other aspects of our lives: travel, parties, dinner and games. Our families have an extended relationship and closeness. I still don't know how you beat me at basketball on the high seas! I think that the ship was swaying so that your normally off center shot became straight and sure. At least I didn't lose to Curtis. Golf is nothing more than a diversion for a higher purpose. We both seem to be a little too competitive -- I've never broken my hand in frustration or in an attempt to motivate, or was it both. But you haven't been kicked out of a church basketball game - one of the few fights that begin with prayer. Both of our lives haven't followed the format we would have chosen or thought was in our best interest. Ashley was your miracle that you wish would be duplicated over and over. Your influence on our children is greater that you will ever realize. If you were to give any of them advice - they would think it's closer to thus saith the Lord than anyone else that doesn't have the title of prophet seer and revelator. I know that last part is hard for you to hear - but I agree with it. It's not to make you feel awkward - it shows the process you have of including the Lord in your daily life. Thank goodness for football to bring you back to earth.
Before I get to mushy and build you a monument in the back yard - I cherish the fact that you have become a brother, mentor, example and friend. It's hard for me to have such things - I had two different dogs that ran away the first chance they had.
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