Dear Dad,
Happy Father's Day!!
I was recently asked the question: What or who has been a source of inspiration to you during your life.
I answered, "My Dad".
I am very fortunate for the mentors in my life. They have guided me, and you are one of the most inspirational, influential and motivational mentors a son could ever hope for. You have taught me through your example, yet you never had the expectation I would copy your example, but gave me room to find my own way. I love you.
Your Loving Son,
Mark
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As I sat early one morning last week to pen the words (above) for your Father's Day card, the words came surprising easy. The day before, Dan Mayes, one of my staff, had come in my office and wanted to talk about leadership, mentors, and sources of inspiration. Our conversation gave me the opportunity to reflect on the two most powerful influences in my life: my parents and the church. He and I both agreed on the roles our father's had played in helping us develop leadership. In addition I explained how leadership opportunities at Church, throughout my entire life, and helped me prepare for leadership opportunities at work. How grateful I am for parents and for the Gospel: the two factors who have made me what I am today. Thank you Mom and Dad for the gifts you have given me.
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Michaela has matured so much in the past few months. Within the past four weeks she spoke in church, received her Patriarchal Blessing, graduated from Seminary, graduated from high School with good grades, received her Young Womanhood Recognition Award, and was recognized with the SunDevil Award from Mt. Carmel High School. She's on a roll.
Next, she's headed to Hawaii to spend some time with her sister and friends and then off to BYU Idaho where she has already registered and scheduled all her classes.
Thanks for the card and money. That really meant a lot to her!!
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Susan has spent the last several weeks in preparation of Girls Camp. She's the Ward Camp Director, and Camp starts tomorrow. I'm afraid last night was her last night of sleep for the week. Susan is working harder than ever before to get in shape for a half marathon coming up later this summer.
Here's our schedule:
This week: Girls Camp
4th of July: Midway for a week (or less)
Month of August: We'll be in Midway for the month for the following:
Jana's wedding -- Aug. 5
Half marathon (Susan) -- Aug. 8
Education Week (Susan) -- Aug. 17
Swiss Days -- Labor Day
For the month of August I'll be in Midway from Thursday late afternoon until early Monday morning every week and hope to see you then.
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Andrew is finding his niche and I've never seen him so excited. He is teaching guitar and piano lessons at Lee's Music in Heber. He loves it. He also recently received a designation in Pro Tools, a music editing program. On the side he is working a few hours at Sundance each week.
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Matthew is now working full time at Sundance and is making $20 per hour. He's saving every penny he earns to pay for the car damage that resulted when he rolled his new car off the drive way at the cabin. To give you an idea of how bad this was, the towing company wouldn't even start the job of retrieving the car until he had inspections by the Sherriff, proof of insurance and an insurance adjuster's report. Since his insurance had expired 3 days before the accident, it make the whole ordeal even worse for poor Matt. Fortunately, loves his job at Sundance.
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We are looking forward to seeing Marcie in August when she comes to Utah for Jana's wedding. She recently bought an old, used car and has a little more mobility. Marcie keeps us guessing and we're not sure what her next move is, but we have total trust and confidence in Marcie and her ability to make wise decisions.
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To get the latest updates on David, I don't think he'd mind if you visited a website I've created for the purpose of documenting his mission. The website contains a collection of pictures and letters. The name of the website is
www.david.dransfield.net
Just click on the link and you'll be taken to his site.