Happy Birthday Pierce!

Today is my brothers birthday. Now not to slight my other brothers and sisters but Pierce has played a special part in my life.

As a pre-teen he took me to the lake and never complained about having to bring me along. I have vivid memories of traveling to and from Canyon lake listening to 8 track tapes of Creedence Clearwater. I payed close attention to his friends and girlfriends. I was devasted when his best friend, Jimmy Brown, died. It was the first death of a person I had an attachment to.

He was my oldest brother living at home when my Dad died and he took on the part of father figure as well. I loved how he asked my opinion about many things in his life. I'm not sure he really needed it but I loved that he asked me and listened when I talked. He taught me how to drive a car. He was there when I started dating. He talked to me about the girls he was dating. He asked me to play piano in his band and I loved practicing with him and hearing him sing and play the guitar.

When Pierce returned to Arizona after dental school, I was a newly wed. I got to spend time with him and his family and spent much time at his home just hanging out. He and David were great friends and David looked to him as well as an example of a good, loving priesthood leader. Our kids grew up together on the lake, boating and skiing.

In the recent past, he took special care of our family when David was diagnosed with cancer. David couldn't work for periods of time and it wasn't uncommon to find money (anonymously) after a visit from him. He never asked if we needed money, because he knew we would never take it. He is so Christlike.

And of course I have to mention the hours of dental work on my family (and now in son-in-laws) that he has provided for us.

So if you happen to see this Pierce, I hope you know how much I love you and appreciate the important role you have played in my life. You have made all the difference.