Dear Julianne,

What a big girl you are getting to be! Each time you come to visit I am amazed at how much you have grown and what a lovely young girl you are becoming. I am also so pleased to see what a loving big sister you are. Maybe that is partly because you have lost a sibling and maybe you know more than most children your age how fragile life can be. Elizabeth's illness was hard for everyone, but especially for you and your parents. But during the few times we were able to visit, you were always so loving to Elizabeth and never seemed to mind that much of your time was spent at the hospital and that your parents couldn't always give you as much time as they might have liked. For such a little girl, you were very grown up!

We were so honored that your family and you Hamelin grandparents came to Oregon so we could be at your baptism. Thank you for being willing to drive all that way so that we and your Grandma Lisa could be there. That was some good missionary work and a special day for us! I am also always impressed with how you never complain when you are here if you have to leave playing with your cousins to go see your other grandma.

I hope you will always know how much Heavenly Father loves you. He loved you so much that He put things in motion way before your birth so that you could be born into a family that would teach you the gospel and give you all the tools you need to return to Him. If you will trust your parents and your Heavenly Father, you will always know right from wrong through the Holy Ghost. Your baptism was just the beginning of many wonderful experiences you will have in the church. Life can be very confusing and sometimes hard things happen, but the prophet, your parents, your church leaders and your Heavenly Father will help you to know what to do during those times. The church is true. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Papa and I love you very much. We feel so blessed to have so many grandchildren and each one is unique and adds his or her special qualities to our family. We are so grateful that sweet, lovable Julianne is one of them!

Lots of love,

Mama