Iron Men

These are my brothers. They are giants among men. I'm not just saying that because we're related or because they are tall. They are handsome, righteous, faithful, funny and fun to be around. They are great husbands, amazing fathers and the best brothers a girls could ask for. Don't get me wrong, they are not perfect. They didn't always lift up the seat and they definitely didn't respect my authority as their big sister, but they have always offered me unconditional love and support. I know that I could call any one of them for anything and they would move heaven and earth to be there for me. I am their big sister, but they have been such amazing examples to me.

This weekend, the three of them competed in the St. George half iron man. They don't usually compete in the same races. My parents, siblings and nieces and nephews were all there. I was incredibly homesick all the way across the country.

Erik coming out of the water.

Scott coming out of the water.

Clark on the bike.

Erik in transition.

Scotty getting on the bike (Rudy helmet).

The weather was brutal. St. George in May is usually pretty mild, but it was freezing for this race. Clark is the most experienced of the three and is the one that got the other two started, but he really struggled on the run. He wrapped up in an emergency blanket and even had to walk part of the way - something he never does. His legs cramped up so badly, he thought he was going to tip over.

Clark is a man that faces adversity head on. When we were little, he was like Captain America before the experiment - skinny and weak. In high school, he started lifting weights. He started bench pressing just the bar and by the time he played football at Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho), he could bench press more than his body weight. He was the only player in the 1,000 lb. Club that weighed less than 200 pounds. He has faced crushing trials, but he has come out ahead and has never lost his faith. We are only 16 months apart. He was my first best friend.

Clark on the run.

Erik is the middle one. Like many middle children, he can get overlooked. He always does what is expected, he doesn't rock the boat and he's always happy - definitely not a squeaky wheel. Erik and I hit head on a lot when we were younger, but now that we're older, I think I relate more to him than the others. He has a rock-solid testimony and spends a lot of time serving others. He reminds me of my dad in the way he coaches boys not just to win, but to become good men. Erik is and always has been the master of the huge hug.

Erik on the run.

Erik's hands were so cold, he couldn't open his snacks or get his water bottle. He also struggled with cramps on the run. He and Clark ended up helping each other finish. I love the idea of them facing this trial together.

Clark and Erik.

Scotty crushed the course. Maybe it's his youth, or maybe the beard kept him warm, but whatever it was, he cruised.

Scotty is the "baby" of our family. I think sometimes it's hard for the rest of us to let him grow up. I wrote a poem about him for his wedding that talked about him as a paradox. He's kind of rough around the edges and yet he loves Shakespeare and is a neat freak. I think he is the most like me of all my siblings - he's bull headed and strong willed, but if he's your friend, he will be your faithful friend for life. He has always been there for me. When we moved from Houston, he came all the way down there to help us. When we went to court to adopt our kids, he and his wife were there. These are things I don't forget.

Scotty on the run.

My brothers are very different from one another, but if there is one thing they have in common, it is their total devotion to the women they married. They each married the perfect woman for them. I'm so glad my brothers married women I like. It takes a special woman to get up in the freezing cold at the crack of dawn to watch a crazy man push his body beyond physical endurance. And then to hug his gross, sweaty body when he's done!

Clark and Di.

Erik and Shanelle.

Scott, Beth & kids.

I love my family so much. I love how we like to cheer for one another - in sports and in life. When we were younger, we all played sports and it was important for us to support each other. There were few things I enjoyed as much as watching my siblings compete. 

Scott with my sister's kids.

Clark's Family.

Erik's Family (his youngest cracks me up in this picture).

Family members make the best fans.

My parents were there too, but I didn't get any pictures of them.

We were cheering them on from South Carolina. I was glued to my phone most of the day waiting for updates on where they were and how they were doing. I hated being so far away.

I am so grateful that God lets us come to Earth in families. My greatest joys are found in my family.