10 Letters

I started reading a book--something I haven't had the concentration to do for almost 6 months.  It's about being peculiar in a good way.  I can't remember the exact title, but it's by Mary Ellen Edmunds.  You could consider it a self-help book I guess.  One of the activities in the 1st chapter is to think of 10 people who have changed your life (for good) and write them a letter.  She said you could learn a lot about yourself by who you chose and what you said.   She said not to use family but I'll break that right off the top because Ian is certainly on my list.  So here they are:

Abraham Lincoln 

Laura Molen

Ruth Bartschi

Chaim Potok

Mr. Johanson

Jim and Tonya Paiva

Kim Gamino

Ian Gleason

Debra Burnett

Mae Wright

I don't know that I'll actually write any letters, but I can explain the reasons.  When I was a kid every book I read was about Abe Lincoln.  I idolized him.  The more I learn as an adult, the more I think of him.  Laura Molen showed love to my family before she even knew us.  She stepped up at the then worst time of my life and served all of us.  Ruth Bartschi taught me that I didn't need to fit in some perfect mold to be a missionary and teach people about God.  Chaim Potok wrote fiction that made me want to read.  He made me love fiction and see and understand a group of people I would never get to see in real life.  Mr. Johanson was my middle school science teacher and taught me when I was really young that everything I learned I would be able to take with me when I die.  In my recollection he even quoted the scripture verse right there in science class.  Jim and Tonya Paiva gave me a look into another religion and showed me that devoutness is universal. They were a great example to us in teaching the Old Testament to our kids.  Kim Gamino started Camp Taylor for youth with heart disease and gave Ian a sense of independence he never had prior to going there.  She inspires me.  Ian--too many reasons to count and I don't feel like crying any more today.  Debra Burnett was my first missionary companion.  She taught me that even though it's hard work, being a missionary is a happy, fun adventure and there is a plan that we are part of.  Mae Wright, well, what a dear friend.  Her life was so different from mine.  I admire her more than I can express.  She was tough and smart and had the faith of 10 prophets.