New Kid on the Nike Block -

13 years ago this Valentine's Day, a letter came to Merrill Hall #439 at Utah State University informing me that I had been hired as an EFY Counselor for the summer of '97. I had gone through a series of interviews, filled out major paperwork and gotten several letters of recommendation. It was quite the process and the further along I got, the more I wanted that job so bad. It was one of those things that consumes your thoughts and keeps you up late at night. So, when the letter finally came telling me I was chosen for the position, I was thrilled! I remember calling home to share the news with Dad and my brothers. They were happy for me, but I just kindof assumed they were men and it was just "Ok" to them! I packed up my bags and headed for home that afternoon, to come meet a guy for a date. I will never forget walking up to the front door of Dad's and seeing a paper taped to it. As I got closer it said something about "Sarah Randle EFY Counselor Lives HERE!" I smiled and walked through the door to find signs with different sayings all over the house about how cool it was that I got that job. My Brother Nate was watching me read the notes from upstairs, and after a while, he came down to give me a big congratulatory hug. I wonder if he even remembers doing this for me, or if he will ever know what that meant to me. He told so many people that I had been hired out of 3,000 applicants and what a big deal that was. He made me feel so important and made that day that much more exciting for me.

Fast Forward to Dec. 1st or so, 2009. I'm afraid that I wasn't near that supportive, when I received a phone call from Nate as I was doing some Christmas shopping. He chit-chatted around a little bit before he dropped the bomb that he had just accepted a position with Nike. This just after living in California working for Callaway Golf for the last 5 years, surprising us last Christmas that he got an awesome new job and would be moving back home, dangling his family in front of our face for the last 10 months, and now leaving again for who knows how long this time. If I remember the conversation right, I pretty much sat there as he explained awesome things to me like "Sis., they called me! THEY, NIKE, Called me!! Nike doesn't just call people.....people call them! But, THEY called ME!" He then went on to tell me he would be Marketing Tiger Woods/Nike Golf (I think I have that all correct!), and would live in Portland, Oregon....with an awesome salary he was able to negotiate, etc. I have replayed that conversation over and over in my head, and each time I feel absolutely horrible. I was thinking more of how this would impact me......not having my niece and nephew around any more, no more photography sessions with Allyson from Allyson Randle Photography :), and no more Uncle Nate at the boys games. I even emailed him the most adorable picture of the two of us that I just recently found, hoping to change his mind!
Never did I stop to think of how bad Nate has wanted to work for Nike. He has gone through a series of interviews there, gotten letters of recommendation, etc. and the closer he got......the more he wanted to work there. He has had his sights set on Nike for a long time.....so much so, that I'm sure it too consumed his thoughts and caused many sleepless nights!

Today, as he left for Portland, I realized it was my chance to repay the favor of the excitement and pride he created for me. I sat down at my computer and typed up some papers, grabbed the tape and hung signs all over my house in his honor! I only wish I would have thought of it sooner, for him to see in person.
Nate knows I talk A LOT....but what he probably doesn't know, is how much I talk about him! I often find myself telling people about where he is and what he's doing. I am just as proud of him as he has been of me.....I'm just lousier at showing it. So, my dear brother, I want you to know how happy and excited I am for you with this new job. I will miss you so much.....but look forward to your calls as you're driving home from work again (remember, you did that when you had those long California drives? When they turned into 15 min. Utah drives....you quit calling!) I love you with all my heart and have looked up to you from the day I was born. Thank you for always being an incredible example to me. Nike is lucky to have you.......
I just hope they know you're only on loan for a couple years!

Congrats - I love you!
-Sis