To a dear Dad:

I hope you have enjoyed reading all the testimonies of your sons and daughters as a tribute to your role as a father. Christ told us: "By their works ye shall know them", and so it is with you, Dad. No matter what opinion you personally may hold of yourself--you may know, from now on at least, how special you are to your wife

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and sons and doughters. We all love you and mom so much. There is no way we can ever repay you for what you have done for us - except to live good lives as best we can and bring honor and credit to your good name. We hope we can pass on to our own sons and dau- ghters and- your grandchildren some of the beautiful principles you have instilled in us that has made life more meaningful and worthwhile.

It has been so special to me to be able to share some of the choice moments of your life. I hope I have put them down correctly and in a manner suitable to you - so that everyone who reads your history can relate to you and cherish your memory and teachings in the years to come.

I made a journey to the library in Idaho Falls and was able to find a copy of the poem you mentioned you had learned as a child and how much it meant to you. You'll find a copy of it included.

I just want to tell you that I believe the same things about you that have already been mentioned by my brothers and sisters. You and mom have given me much inner strength and courage to go on in the face of adversity by your examples. I know these last few months have been hard ones for both of you. But I also know the Lord loves you and will bless you for what you are teaching by your lives to your children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

This scripture from our last Sunday School lesson fits you both so well, I just have to include it. It is found in 2 Nephi 31:20

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: YE SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE .

We thank you for "enduring to the end." We just hope we can be worthy to partake of the "eternal life" with you - because you have brought us so much joy in this life.

Love,

Karen