Jacob Larsen
One memory I have is visiting Nathan up in Washington when I was a young boy. I idealized Nathan and considered him to be the most dynamic, charismatic, and likable cousin I had. He was living up in Federal Way, Washington and I remember walking over with him to buy Jelly-Bellies from a local snack shop as we counted up all our pennies to buy all the sweets we could afford. On that trip up to Nate's house, I remember staying up late and hiding stash of junk food: Squeeze-It drinks, Jelly Bellies, and other treats. It was our own secret fort that we made and we stockpiled goodies away from our parents. Being with Nate was just the joy of being a kid with someone who was a great friend. Nathan made me feel very special from a very young age on that trip and throughout the many times our lives crossed. I remember doing crosswords and other workbook pages at his house in Washington state.
I always remember Nathan coming down on road trips with his family to visit us in Utah. I was always envious of how athletic he was. He was an incredible basketball player as he was tall, coordinated, and very naturally athletic. I couldn't compete with him! Even when I was in high school as a cross country runner and was about to make the varsity team, I went running up in Mount Timpanogas at a family reunion at Aspen Grove. Nate breezily kept my pace every step of the way. I was amazed, and slightly annoyed, that I had trained all summer and Nate was somehow inexplicable keeping my pace and carrying on a conversation. That summer Nate was with me as we drove back and for the to Salt Lake to see a girl I was interested in. He was with me when I had my first real crush and he was my confidant as I confided in him so many things.
Even after I had returned from my mission, I still hung out with Nate on occasion. I remember going driving up Provo canyon with him listening to general conference talks. He was a good person to be around and I felt better just in his presence. I miss him a lot and I think about how integral he was to my life growing up and and thankful for him helping me and being with me during challenging and exciting moments.
