(6) Taking Pride In My Roots

As I have been down here at BYU I have learned many life lessons.  One great one that I have learned this past week is to always be proud of where I come from.  Lots of people would say that they are ashamed of their past, of their old friends, of where they come from, or of their family.  I'm here to say that no one should EVER have the need to feel shame for where they came from.  Life isn't about being concentrated on what we already did.  The past was made to remember, but not to live in.  We have to realize that the people we were yesterday help us be better people tomorrow.  So where we came from yesterday is going to determine what we want for our "tomorrow."

I am proud to say that I am an Idaho bred Hofman.  I come from a family very based upon tradition and roots and I am proud to say that I come from a solid family that has taught me so many different life lessons.  It really helps me with my every day decisions.  I frequently think of my ancestors in almost every step in life that I take.  When I'm about to tell a joke I try to think,"What would Grandma Hofman think about me saying this?" or when I'm going to make a purchase I think,"Would dad approve of this purchase and it's worth for me?"  It's good to know where we come from so we can know where we're going.

I am named after a man who has been a huge idol in my life.  He was a man from my past that is continuing to help me in my life direction despite the fact that he has passed on.  His name is Hugh Lynn Brown and he is my grandfather.  A stellar man who has played a major role in my growth as a young man.  He was probably the biggest stud alive.  I always remember him as the first one to take on a challenge.  One great memory is when we would go to Lake Powell as an extended family he would always find the biggest rock on the beach that he could and with out fear in his eyes he'd hoist it above his head and just start walking out into the water until the waves covered him and the rock and he was walking down and down. I remember that it was always a few minutes before we'd see a balding head pop up about 50 or 60 feet out into the water.  He was so much fun and really taught people through his actions and love.  I really hope that this part of my past will help shape me as the man that I want to be and as the father that I aspire to become.

The past determines the future. Even if our past was dark, what lies ahead is always bright!

My Grandpa Hugh Lynn Brown.  Such a Stud!