Dear Glen,

Today Papa came home and announced that you had gotten a missionary hair cut for Missionary week in Seminary. I know it would be embarrassing if I made a big fuss on your Facebook page or something, so I'll make a fuss here for you to read sometime in the future. You have grown up to be such a thoughtful and intelligent young man, that you have made it easy to overlook the long hair. Unfortunately, we live in a world where we are often judged by what shows on the outside so my only concern was that maybe there are some people who don't know how truly terrific you are! More than once I have heard a General Authority say that things like dress, hair, hygiene, etc. are outward signs of our inward commitment to our Heavenly Father. So when Papa told me about your haircut, it told me something about your commitment to Him. Two thumbs up to you!

You were our first grandchild. How we looked forward to your birth! I don't know if anyone has ever told you about the first time I got to see you. You know that my accident happened five days before you were born. I had so looked forward to helping your mom care for you during the initial days after your arrival and being the new and excited grandma. But that was not to be. Papa recorded in his journal that the doctor was going to do a surgery to stabilize my neck, but that I was so despondent about what had happened and what looked like a very challenging change in my life, that he was worried that the surgery might not go well. He suggested that we head to surgery via the maternity ward so I could see you and hopefully give me a reason to hang in there. Your dad brought you out into the hall and clearly remember seeing you and thinking what a beautiful (sorry, newborns are beautiful no matter the sex) baby you were. I like to think it made a difference. During the ensuing three months your parents often brought you to the hospital and it was always a highlight for me.

Thank you for being such a sterling example to your younger siblings and cousins. As your mom has probably told you, it's not often easy to be the oldest and feel like younger family members are looking to you, but I prefer to think that Heavenly Father sent you first because He knew that He could trust you, that you were likely foreordained to be first and probably even offered to be. Papa and I are proud and honored to be your grandparents. We love you so much and look forward to seeing the doors open to adulthood and the man you will become.

Much love to you,

Mama