Dear Annie,

My first memory of you aside from the day of your birth was when you were about two weeks old. Your family was living in college housing and so you were also in our ward. Your mother was teaching the Relief Society lesson that day (and I remember it was a spectacular lesson) and you were asleep beside me in a Moses basket. You were so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes of you. I surprised I even remember the lesson, because I was so consumed with looking at you. No matter how many babies come to a family, each one is a miracle.

I think two of your greatest talents are your creativity and your thoughtfulness. You so often make things to give to others. I still love my bouquet of pink and purple flowers that you made for me for Mother's Day a couple of years ago (or maybe just one year ago). I watch and see what great friends you and Grace have become and how caring and loving you are to Bonnie. You have a fun sense of humor and people respond to that. I have a feeling you are also a thoughtful and loyal friend. Occasionally I talk to some of your YW advisors and they all think you are wonderful. I do too!

I love that you were named after one of my sisters. When she and I were about the age of you and Grace, we didn't get along nearly as well as you and Grace do. Because we were a blended family, and because Patrice and John and I had come from less than the best environment, I was given the "job" as the older sister to keep an eye on then and make sure they didn't do anything of which my parents would disapprove. That wasn't fun for me and I'm sure it wasn't fun for them either. No one likes having a sibling boss them around like a parent! But we survived and grew up and eventually became friends. Now this sister is giving me the gift of a longer life by giving me one of her kidneys! It sure makes me wish I had been nicer to her, not just because of the kidney, but because I am sure we missed out on some great things we could have enjoyed together.

The best gift Heavenly Father has given me is the opportunity to become a member of the church and to have so much light and knowledge made available to me, not to mention it led me to Papa. It has made all the difference in my life. One of the things that really helped me was my patriarchal blessing. In my blessing it says that my greatest joy in life would come from being a wife and a mother. That always helped me to know that as a wife and mother I didn't need to look further than my own home to find happiness and so I didn't waste any time trying to find something that I might have thought was better. So develop those maternal instincts I see when you take care of Bonnie. You have had some serious on-then-job training! That doesn't mean you shouldn't seek education and a career, but if for a time you decide to put some of that on hold to be a wife and mother, know that those years will pass quickly and you will still have many years after children are grown to do pursue other options.

Heavenly Father loves you, Annie. He knows you name, He knows what makes you sad or happy and He is always there for you. Pour out your heart to him in prayer and if you do, you will know that what I am saying is true. Papa and I love you so much and we feel so privileged to be your grandparents. Keep being the wonderful young woman that you are.

Much love,

Mama