From a grandson that feels a lot more than "worthless".

Well, memories with Papa, wow, where do I start? I don't think I can remember much of life without that "Punk" always around, haha. I owe you a lot Papa, from the very first moments of my life until today, you always have an influence. Starting out, it seemed like you sure wanted to show me the way and how to be.
I can still remember earning a nickel with Sarah for taking off the boots every night in Provo and actually feeling strong when we would wrestle. Papa was always the strongest wrestler in the world and actually pinning him meant I was the man!









But that didn't fade, it's that way even today. Padding up for games from Saturday mornings (Jr. High), to Thursday afternoons (freshman year), then under the Friday night lights (varsity) I always remembered hearing how excited you were when I gave football a shot. I can still remember driving home after my first game ever with you after we beat Taylorsville, I was feeling such a rush of excitement from it all and you heard it all and laughed when I wanted to challenge the world to go helmet-to-helmet with me. I always remembered listening to your stories from when you played and how I was 3 jersey numbers short of your #17, I thought about changing, but I'll forever be #14! I remember you telling me about running the ball one game and breaking some kid's coller bone, I wanted to hit someone that hard after hearing that. Winning state made me feel like a real champ and being able to tell Papa about being #1 was something I looked forward to after the last buzzer had rung and we walked off the field as champions. But those football days had to come to an end, but the football discussions didn't stop.






But what is a true champion? Someone athletic with a ring to show? To me, a true champion isn't someone who has countless trophies, scholarships, or anything of that nature, but a champion is someone who stands up for true values and correct morals when they are challenged. Papa never let me forget that. Football was always a big topic, but the only ones that he showed me are bigger through his example are family and the gospel. Things come and go, you can't play football and basketball forever, but something that does last forever is family through the gospel of Jesus Christ, and when I put on that black and white tag to represent the 2 names on it (Jesus Cristo and Bryan) in Brazil, it was something I will forever be proud of. Having those experiences and sharing the love of the Savior with the "Gaúchos" of southern Brazil was something that Papa had a profound influence on.



The gospel is forever and I love that fact, and I love the fact that I still have an eternity to talk football with my Papa! I love you Papa and I'll forever be greatful for all that you've done, do and will do. You're the best!