For Eric

I wrote this letter to Steve's daughter, Stephanie, a few months ago. I had Amy proof read it.  She said that there are mistakes, she would take care of it. Will you help me out it was for her graduation? What took me hours to write will take you seconds to fix.
Thanks
 E.

I go in for surgery Monday at 9:30 am. Not a biggy, see you Thursday for pie (maybe mince meat) and others.


Dear Stephanie;

I am so proud of you for graduating from high school. It is a giant leap it to the realm of the big world. I have by and by thought of some of some of the people I went to school with and where they are in life. I think of all the changes I have made since the glory days. Some of the people I went to school with refuse to grow up and out of high school and still, to this day, live in that world: like the homecoming queen, the football jock, and so forth.
     
You have accomplished a great task and many more lie ahead of you. Some of those will be decisions such as: continuing your education as has been counseled of by the Prophets, whether or not to serve a full time mission, temple marriage (which I had better be invited to or at least be invited to the reception). These are just a few of the future decisions you will make.
     
Your life might become complicated. At some time in the future you may feel like your whole world is crashing down on you and that no one understands. The only thing that will pull you through those times is your testimony. It is a great thing having a testimony of your Heavenly father, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Book of Mormon.
     
I have found that all things can be overcome by the power of prayer and by searching the Holy Scriptures. Pay your tithing. I have found that this is a true principle. The Lord truly does open the windows of heaven and does pour out blessings. Was I made whole from being bipolar by doing this? No I was not, but the window was opened up and the blessings did and do come out. Your dad is one of those great blessings. He has been and will always be a most trusted and faithful friend whom I love with all my heart. I would lay down my life for that Man. Heavenly Father has eased the burden on my shoulders through your father.
     
Be that light shining on the hill. In other words, be a great example to your friends and family. Let them see the light that you emulate. Most of the time, I have discovered, being such a light comes from setting a standard and sticking to it no matter how much you are pressured. You will be blessed and so will your family and friends as you stand up and fight as a daughter of God. You are a daughter of your Heavenly Father; he loves you and wants you to be happy. I, as a friend, desire as much also.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that the Holy Ghost will lead us like a shepherd will lead his lambs, if we will but do right and listen. I know that the power of prayer works. In so many ways Heavenly father has guided me through life with this simple tool.

I testify of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All the things that I have done in my life that were not conducive of the sprit, I have been forgiven for doing because of the sacrifice of our Savior. I continually ask Heavenly father to help me to over come my weaknesses and forgive me when I fall. I testify of following the Prophet’s advice and attend all my church meetings, when my work permits, to renew my covenant with God that I made at my Baptism.

I testify to you about paying tithing: always pay and you will blessed. I have, along with my family, been so blessed because of this simple task. Always pay no matter what. By making that commitment and sticking to it you will come to understand it one day.

Live your life in accordance with the spirit you and will be blessed. Get your patriarchal blessing it is an added guide for you from Heavenly Father.
I love you,
Eric Trauntvein (Bubba)