I’m not sorry I grew up that way… not least because I got off easy: my siblings had it much, much worse. I’m mostly not sorry because I love who I am today (well, except for all those things that need to be worked on). I’m strong, I’m compassionate, I’m a problem-solver… good things. Good things.

Hall of Famers, hmmm…..

My friend, Jackie, she’s 15 years older than me, but she is like the energizer bunny. Plus she instinctively knows what to say to help me. My mom wasn’t like yours, so I adopt surrogates. Jackie adopted me, and my kids.

I’m starting to like and trust God, too. Not Sheri Dew’s God, Cheiko Okazaki’s God, He’s nicer.

Jesus was always my friend when I was little. He was nice, too.

Juanita Esplin, another mother figure. Kind and serene and wise.

I have four sisters, each one is my hero in different ways. Funny and smart and screwed up, we keep trying.

I also love Ellen DeGeneres, she’s nice and funny and her humor doesn’t depend on hurting others.

My husband, you know he drives me crazy, he’s OCD (think Monk), but he never cusses (imagine me married to a man who doesn’t cuss), he’s a total gentleman, and he never gives up on me. I drive him crazy, too, but he’s always there. I stopped having nightmares when we got married.

Yeah, I have lots, too, Silus. Lots of people who have the courage to blog and be themselves and share themselves with the rest of the world and be human. Too little of that in our church.

As for the republican part? I dunno. :)

My Hall of Famers include:

My Parents
Raised me perfectly. Many people have issues with one or both of their parents. I have none (though I did in high school). I feel sorry for anyone who didn’t have them as parents.

Bishop Fox
My best friend’s and Russell Arben Fox’s dad. He was my bishop through my teens. An incredible example and a great friend.

Brother Sims
My seminary teacher. He helped me grow. He was truly interested in my insights. He never let me beat him in racquetball. He was a good friend.

My friend N
Our friendship has trumped much opposition. And now she’s my sister-in-law.

Elder Torres
Best companion. Great friend. There are things I wish I could take back.

Adrian Pulfer
One of the greatest people I know. A teacher, an example, a mentor, and a good friend.

My wife Sara
Saving the best for last. My best friend. She leads by example. She’s hilarious. She understands my humor perfectly. She helps me become better. She praises my stengths and shows me my weaknesses. If only everyone else were so lucky to be married to someone so amazing.