From Melanie About Conference

Melanie wrote: I was wondering if you were the Mom that had written one of the letters over the years to the Apostles, just to make sure that her children, who would be listening would hear the words she had taught, but out of the mouth of the prophet. 

I am glad that Ben came down for all of conference. He is turning 19 very soon and his mission call is imminent. I keep wondering how I will feel knowing that I don't have to really worry about the choices he is making with his friends and that he will be serving the Lord. I think you can relate when you think about Eric and his friends. 

I too felt like many of the talks were meant for me. Our Stake President encouraged us to ponder and pray before Conference and go with doctrinal questions in our minds and hearts. I had never really done that. I have always gone thinking about how I just need something and the Lord will give me what I need. This time I did as instructed and found that the questions were answered and I was more than sufficiently filled. 

This was the first conference where anyone in my household has said, "Wow. Is it really over? I feel like it just started." Hearts have been changed. Even Howard stayed awake. That is a Bolton house first!

I was thinking of you and Dad the whole weekend. I am so glad that Kirsten was able to spend time with you. 

Love you.
Mel

To Braden

Myrna wrote to Braden

Wasn't conference amazing! I can't even choose a talk that I could call my favorite. I do think, however, that someone who knows me very well called church headquarters and ratted me out. Most of the talks, if not all, were aimed at me in particular. I am quite repentant and plan on being much more forgiving, loving, and Christ-like. I am 71 and time is running out for me to be repentant in this life. I understand that repentance is much more difficult in the next sphere--not impossible in the Spirit World but ten times more painful than here. Many of the talks also told of the love we should have for the sacrifice of our Savior.

Our prophet is such an excellent man. He truely is a great person. Each time a prophet dies, I wonder how anyone could ever replace him. Then all the keys are given to him and his life is told to us and we see that we have another great man who has been shaped by our Heavenly Father for this calling. How great and wise is our Father. 

Ben came down for all of the sessions of conference. It was so neat to have him with us. He is very good with the little ones although, when he plays monster and they scream and run and I think they may really think he is a monster because, like all of you older men in the family, he is so tall and big that they really think they are being chased by a giant. It was also nice to have Kirsten and family here. What great times we have as a family. I will be very sorry to leave all of this joy when it is my time to go. I will be like Uncle Garth and leave reluctantly. 

I know that you are probably feeling that way about leaving your mission. Just keep up the good work until the very end. Always remember that we love you and that we are praying for you!