Dear Hyrum, second born, and coming up in the chill of Faith’s shadow, only to welcome in a multitude of other siblings, including another older brother and five additional younger ones after I came into his life, is a titan of talent in his own right.
Great looking, engaging and fun, but also intelligent, introspective and discerning, it has been a privilege to call him my son lo these many years.
He had many insecurities moving from El Camino high to John Adams Academy as a junior, but it turned out he thrived there. He was well suited to the classical approach, was scholarly and impressive during Socratic discussions, and presented so well his finely crafted required speeches during his senior year, including defending his senior thesis, which highlighted the importance of personal virtue and integrity and made us so proud. He also bonded with wonderful, exemplary friends.
We absolutely love that he has involved himself in the performing arts, excelling in band, choir, swing dancing, comedy improv and theatre. He also has wonderful taste in music.
Alas, I did not get a picture of this him in his Hamlet costume for this TNT performance (SO MANY MOM FAILS 🤦🏻♀️), but I cannot overstate the excellence of his famous soliloquy, nor the fine figure he cut in his Elizabethan apparel.
He has a wonderful sense of humor. He’s always had a way of recapping funny things that have just happened in a way that makes it more fun for everyone and makes Hyrum that much more lovable. His brothers and sisters all love when he’s here, and he can pretty much always get a smile from the little ones.
The sweetest baby...
The friendliest boy...
The coolest dude...
Last summer he and Faith both worked at McDonald’s, and it’s among the sorrows of my life that I never got a picture of the two of them together in their adorable uniforms. We were proud that they worked hard and made themselves useful there. Now Hyrum is developing his strong sales skills working for Aptive Pest Control and doing very well for himself.
Hyrum really values kindness and quality interactions. He holds himself to a high standard of behavior, and I’ve been moved to tears by his sincere apologies and his hugs. He’s also among the few kids who have exceeded two sentences in composing me birthday or Mother’s Day tributes and you other moms know what a true treasure that is.
He was just eleven when we met and I was always struck by his gentleness, good listening skills and appreciation for others. He was quiet and private in his grief over his mother’s passing, and I felt honored anytime he opened up with a tender feeling I could listen to and affirm.
He has an amazing sense of logic, and is so great at figuring out or creating any kind of organizational systems. At work he’s called the “facts guy” because he’s the best at running the numbers.
He loves friendship, family, babies and truth, and we are delighted that he’s preparing to serve a mission. Because he’s willing to admit mistakes, he’s on an ideal trajectory for growth.
I love you forever Hyrum, and I can’t wait to observe the dawning wonderfulness that’s sure to arise when you truly make your mark on this world!
I love you forever Hyrum, and I can’t wait to observe the dawning wonderfulness that’s sure to arise when you truly make your mark on this world!
