Beauty had Girls Camp a few weeks ago. She is glad that she went. In my youth, I didn't have girls in my own ward that I meshed with. We got along well for Sundays and for activities but they weren't the girls I wanted to hang out with or go to the movies with. My children are experiencing similar feelings. I know it is hard for them both, but I know that this too will teach them much. WE can't always go where our friends are. I strongly encourage EFY. It allows them to see a glimpse that no matter what your stroke you can find different folk. There are youth out there with their same standards who have their same interests and have their same sense of humor. They have many youth friends from other wards in our Stake. They are going out to parties and swim parties or shopping with youth from Carmel,Pineville, Weddington, and Catawba. I love that they have found church friends, elsewhere.
All parents were asked to write their daughters a letter. Mr. Incredible and I each wrote our own. While we were putting away her camp things I came across his letter to her! The booger, he out did my letter. He so gets her. If I ever have to leave this world early I know that Mr. Incredible can do this without me! (didn't I train him well?)
His letter
Beauty,
Let me first start off by saying that you are my favorite teenage daughter! Don’t ever forget that. Seriously, from the day that you were born, you were my princess and will forever be! Know that I am always here for you.
Now, you have been at camp for a few days and I am sure you have mumbled a few disgruntled thoughts. That’s OK, things are not always exactly as we would like them. I do know that you should be there. I don’t know exactly why, but I feel that there is something for you to learn through this experience. It is funny; it is usually through the things that we don’t want to do that sometimes we grow the most.
Beauty, you must understand that you are truly a daughter of God. With that, you are heir to his kingdom. I say this because I want you to understand how VALUABLE you are. People are amazed by the Queen of England, enamored by the sight of the President and both are considered some of the most special and powerful people in the world. Yet, this is pales in comparison to being exalted as a queen in the eternities. Although you are my princess now, you will be a queen!
You are so very special to me. I know you have expressed that you feel as if you are not part of the group at times because you don’t play a sport. I apologize to you for not ensuing often enough that sports is not why I love my children. I know that I get excited talking about it, but it will never be the reason behind my love or admiration for my children. You are so talented in many ways that your brothers and sisters are not. You are, and will always be, a very smart young lady. You have a mind for learning and you take pride in your school work. You have a soft side that is so compassionate and caring. It makes my heart warm when I hear you ask me for what I need or rub my head. The one Gift I can see right now is your gift of writing and expression of thought. I know that this will help you to accomplish your mission upon this earth. It will be very interesting to read your patriarchal blessing when you decide to get it.
I hope that you have enjoyed your time at camp and that you have bonded with other girls in the stake. Your brother has set a good example of mingling with all youth from all wards. I am anticipating your return and to hear of your “adventures”.
I want you to know that I have a testimony of this truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. It is the only true church upon the face of the earth. Your talk and testimony at Dash’s baptism was so touching to me. As a parent, hearing your child give testimony as you did, is humbling and a proud moment. The only success that means anything to me is to be a good husband and a good father. One who has taught and set an example of what we must do to be an eternal family. I see my success as I watch you grow and demonstrate your own desire to be faithful. I love you and pray that you will always have a desire to live faithful so that we can be a family forever.
Have fun my Princess
With only a love that a Father can have
Dad
Ok, well I had to dry an eye.
I'll blog my lame letter, later. Because I want this printed in my blurb book.
