Dear Brighton,

You are the only person I have ever know with the name Brighton. I am pretty sure you do a great job of living up to the "Bright" part of your name. I looked up the meaning of your name, and it means "from the Bright town." All through my school childhood and school years I was the only one I knew with the name Michele. I liked having an unusual name, except when teachers would think it was Michael. Not fun to be called by a boy's name when you're a girl! Of course, now that name is used a lot.

You are one of our "bonus" grandchildren--one that came in an unexpected way! We are so happy about that, not only because the Hassell family needed more boys and Severin needed some boy cousins his age, but because you have become very special to us! It probably wasn't easy to have another set of grandparents show up, but you never made us feel like you didn't like it, and have always been the first to give us hugs when you arrive and leave, or when we come to your house. Thank you for that, it makes us feel so good.

One of my favorite memories of you will always be from last summer when you, Addie and Severin spent the better part of a week working on the tree fort and just doing things boys love to do in the summer time. That was a special time for Severin and for us to watch! With all of today's technology, sometimes kids forget how much fun it is to just play and enjoy the outdoors!

You are also our second grandson to hold the priesthood. Even though you are just getting started with the responsibilities that come with that, if you honor your priesthood, you will come to bless so many lives. The people you meet and teach on your mission will be blessed, your future family will be blessed, the people you serve through church callings will be blessed and you will be blessed as well. I always feel safe when priesthood members are around me! I didn't have that when I was growing up, and having it around me now makes such a big difference. You have some wonderful good examples of how to honor your priesthood from your dad, your Grandpa Thayn, Grampa Hassell and other men in your life who I don't know. Trust their examples and you will stay one the path back to our Heavenly Father.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your life Brighton. We can never have too many people in the world who love us. Please know that Grampa Hassell and I love you and are excited for memorable experiences with you in the future.

Love you tons,

Gramma Hassell