Annie

Annie has always been 10 years older than her age, even when she was 2. Her peer group was her brothers and sisters so many of her friends were 20 when she was 8. Everyone of Freds friends just knew they would eventually marry her.

Some of my favorite memories of Annie as a little girl were watching her play basketball. I remember Doug, her first coach, talking about her final season game one year. There was little time left and we were behind. Annie stole the ball and scored and then chased down the other team’s ballhandler and stole the ball again to win the game. When i was her coach, we had a game where we were behind 22-2 at the half. Then in the second half, she outscored the other team by herself 15-8. Some of the other parents weren’t so happy, but she was amazing.

Anything Annie has wanted to do she has been able to do. She decided early that she would be an A student. Sometimes I ask her when was the last time she got a B. She calmly says, “I’ve never had a B.” She is a poster child for what can happen when you apply yourself and work hard. On top of it all, she is pure and righteous and loves the Gospel. I love her beyond what is possible.