The Mangum Five

Secret of Life #1. Sibling love.

Last night at dinner, Madison (17 years old), said, "I am looking forward to reading the paper tomorrow. Hopefully I won Athlete of the Week." And we were all hoping right along with him. He deserved it. He has paid his dues, waited years, and has silently been wanting some public recognition for his great athletic accomplishments.

Paper route, 4 am. My father and Tanner (15 years old), arrive at the Hastings parking lot to pick up the morning's 140-paper stack of Idaho Statesman waiting to be delivered. Tanner immediately flips open the sports section to hopefully see his brother's face shining brightly from the Male Athlete of the Week designated column, but to his shock, his own face is staring back at him. After about a quiet and never ending minute car ride to the neighborhood desiring their daily newspaper, Tanner broke the silence and said, "I have never been so upset about receiving an award." How mature is such a statement? How endearing is such a claim?

And Madison, who so quietly hides his sincere disappointment, shares in Tanner's recognition for (another) incredible game last Friday night. Sibling love is so strong, and can even win in a battle that has the word, 'football,' in it's title. A humbling experience for all, as I walked a fine line in celebrating with Tanner, but offering my vote of confidence in Madison. As soon as I learned of the news after I awoke this morning, I sent a text message to Madison at school- according to the Meredith Daily, he wins. His response was full of "ha-ha-ha's," revealing that even in the sting of losing out to your freshman brother, laughter is still possible.

And Tanner, with a 389 yard game, completing 29-42 passes, and 3 TD's.... He is the Idaho Statesman's Male Athlete of the Week: http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/504345.html