No one knows who or what they're going to be before they are born. Parents can dream and imagine for you...maybe you'll be a genius, maybe an athlete, maybe a genius athlete. But at the very beginning, it's all undetermined. Except one thing: your name. I'm not referencing a first name but the name you have in common with parents and grandparents and various others who came before. As for myself, I'm a proud Palmer.
I didn't realize how proud until recently. I suppose weddings bring out all sorts of emotions, including pride and gratitude. Looking around the temple to see uncles, aunts, and cousins is a special sight. And it got me thinking...how blessed am I?
The answer? So blessed!
I was given the opportunity to grow up surrounded by this amazing extended family. Every Sunday spent at Grandma and Grandpa's - playing with cousins, being teased by uncles, laughing with aunts. Camping, fishing, adventuring - all of that time spent connecting and exploring truly important aspects of life. I realize not every moment was sunshine and rainbows but no matter what happened, we all seemed to realize we were in this together. And that has given me much to think about over the course of my life.
In many ways, I have been shaped by these interactions. I've seen kindness and humor shared. I've seen how each of my aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins accept and embrace the people they come in contact with. I've watched how they deal with tragedy and disappointment in a realistic but faithful manner. They are the type of people who can make the best of any situation and choose to in every situation. Hundreds or thousands of my most memorable moments have been spent with the Palmer's.
I wish I could take the time required to adequately relay the lifetime of those moments. But each Sunday afternoon spent in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard is its own adventure. And the Saturdays of fishing trips, Easter camping outings, 4th of July and Labor Day parades, BBQ's, birthdays, get togethers just because we missed each other... I treasure every second spend in the presence of these glorious humans.
It doesn't seem like enough to just thank the whole family for being such a positive influence in my life. I hope to one day individualize that message. But for now know that I love and respect each of you. I admire your generosity and perseverance. And, as a Palmer, I am who I am because how each of you have touched my life.
I am enjoying my adventures with you all and I hope you are too.
