Kids!

We have three sons. If we'd known, when they were born, how distinctly different they would be from each other, I think we'd have given each the middle name of "Diversity."

The oldest got his Eagle Scout, went on a mission, married in the temple, and has a darling new baby. He is in his third year of medical school at Wright State University and lives in Dayton, Ohio. When he has a chance to play soccer, he gives it 150 per cent. He has a small build, is well-coordinated, and has blond hair, blue-gray eyes and fair skin.

Our second has a degree in exercise science from USU. He spent a semester in Finland, fell in love with a local beauty, and eventually married her in a Lutheran ceremony in Jyvaskyla, Finland. He plays and coaches American style football. That's right, football, not soccer. The Junior team he coaches just won the Finnish national championship this summer. Our long-distance contribution as team sponsors was to send them to Pizza Hut for a celebratory dinner. Yes, they have Pizza Hut in Finland. Now, the Senior team on which he plays is in the national playoffs. The finals will be televised on Finnish TV, a first. When football is over he will return to his master's thesis (in an English-speaking Exercise Science program at the University of Jyvaskyla), concentrate on more intensive Finnish language classes, and then consider his employment options. He has a stocky, sturdy build, an olive complexion, brown hair and turquoise-blue eyes.

Our youngest attends the University of California at Berkeley. A bachelor, he is totally immersed in the Berkeley lifestyle and doing well in his classes. His major is computer engineering, and he knows he's responsible for supporting his parents in their old age. He will put us in a Home, he has assured us. He and two colleagues have recently started a business which provides remote computer repairs to customers anywhere in the world. I hope it takes off. Berkeley's tuition is stiff. Since arriving at Berkeley he has joined the Democratic Party, the Honors Society, and the ACLU. Last fall he participated in the annual Free Hugs campaign, which was a joy to watch on YouTube. He is our tallest at 5'10, blond, with fair skin and blue eyes.

Teachers and administrators have always had some difficulty connecting these young men with their parents. Once, in a perverse attempt at joke, I told someone the older two (18 months apart and the same size for many years) were twins. Identical twins.

But if you don't have a sense of humor, I don't recommend parenting.

As the years pass and these young men continue to pursue their individual dreams, we embrace their diversity and individuality. And we love 'em to bits. So to Kevin & Emily and Baby Paige, BJ & Marica, and Jeff, long-distance hugs from Mom. I'm proud of all of you, but I miss you!