May 28, 2006

Dear Brieanna,

Spring has arrived again. Utah is warm and beautiful. I had something great happen to me. Ever since I was a young adult I've been plagued by terrible allergies. I would sneeze, and my noise would run continually all spring until mid summer. I've tried all sorts of medicines, but they would often have worse side affects such as making me feel sleepy and incapacitated. Finally this year, I found a nasal spray that has completely eliminated my allergies without any side affects. It's called Nasonex just in case you have developed allergies, since they run in our family. This is the first spring that I've enjoyed in years. The time I went on my mission is the only time I've been free of them. I feel so blessed and happy to have full health.

This weekend I did something really fun. I went to Little Sahara State Park in Southern Utah. The park is amazing with sand dunes made of the finest white sand that I've ever seen. People go there to ride 4-wheelers. It was very fun. I came back with sand all over me. I keep finding sand in my scalp and behind my ears. There are so many amazing things to do here in Utah.

We'll Brieanna you have a birthday coming up. Once again, since I have no idea of where you live, I'm afraid I can't send you a present. Please forgive me. I hope that you are doing well in school. Doing well in high school will open up your options to what you can do in your life. I was the valedictorian of my high school, out of a class of 700 students. Because of this, I was given a full tuition scholarship to BYU, and so all of my schooling was paid for. If you are going to spend time going to school, you might as well try to do your best, and learn all you can. You'll have an advantage later over those who didn't apply themselves. It's important to take advantage of social opportunities, as well. Try to make friends, and understand what drives, and motivates people.

I keep writing about this - but I hope that you will stay away from serious relationships with boys, and that you protect your body from drugs or alcohol. These things can only bring you sorrow. As for boys, keep them as friends for now, and learn about them, but be careful of them. I hope your mother has raised you within the the church, but I have no idea. You come from a very long and distinguished line of the church on your mother's side. As for me my mother was the first of our family to join, and I am grateful to her. The Gospel has been very important to me. I worry that if you haven't had this in your life, that you will become lost, and will feel despair.

For me the last half of high school was a wonderful time. I was no longer a child, even though my parents still treated me like one, to my resentment. I'm sure you are having a great time, developing new found confidence, and looking toward your future as an independent adult. Enjoy every day of it.

I love you Brieanna, my first-born. I pray we will see each other soon.

Love,

Dad.