I was truly shaken when I heard that you were fighting cancer for a second time. However, knowing you, you will take it with the same determination that you showed when you came to the "Old" Juab Middle School with a principal that had a strong commitment to outdoor education.
When I say strong determination, I recognized during our interview, that you had a great desire to do your best. This was because you were truly committed to being an outstanding teacher. Your love for students and the desire to help them achieve the expected objectives was impeccable.
I wish I could have had more opportunities to hike Nebo with the eighth grade. However, I continued to go up there with my scouts for a number of years. I was amazed at how you teachers taught our students out in the wild. I talked with John Bennion, now a BYU professor, who was also hired by me for the middle school staff. He still takes classes of his students into the mountains to hold a class because he, like you, found that to be invaluable.
In so many ways and for so many years you have taught students in our district to love learning. You have taught them to appreciate the gift of education. You have been a wise and caring teacher and have touched and changed many lives. You have always been willing to embrace change and to improve your teaching in every way possible. I commend you for that. After I left the middle school and went to the high school, I saw many students you had influenced for the better.
Thank you for your dedication to education. It makes me feel good to realize that I was wise in hiring you those years ago.
Know that you will be included in our prayers and that your name will be placed on the Manti Temple Prayer Roll immediately.
I know that Heavenly Father loves you and so does our Savior. When Apostle Bruce R. McConkie was diagnosed with cancer his close friend, a non-Mormon, asked if he had not wondered why me? Elder McConkie's reply was that, no he had not, but that he had wondered why not me?
You had the courage necessary to face down this disease once before. I admire that.
One of may favorite scriptures is Alma 7: 11-12. It tells of the Savior's love for us.
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Love,
Leonard and Myrna Trauntvein
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