So it has been a good couple weeks… A week or so ago, my mom received a letter from Scotty in the mail. As many of you know, Scotty passed away six years ago, so receiving a letter from him was seriously something big. The letter was from fifteen-year-old Scotty and addressed to himself. Apparently, while at EFY ten years ago, Scotty wrote himself a letter which his EFY counselor promised to mail to him in ten years. The letter talked about the fact that he had felt the Spirit at EFY and about the changes he wanted to make in his life–including being more sensitive to others’ feelings– and about the person he wanted to be ten years down the road. The letter was so awesome because it was written in just the way Scotty always wrote–with funny words like “furthermore” and stuff. It was seriously the coolest thing ever to hear my mom read it to me. Do any of you know someone so amazing that he/she would stay true to his/her word to keep and then actually mail you a letter in ten years? IN-credible. What an amazing guy. My mom plans to write him and tell him of Scotty’s passing away and of what an incredible gift the letter is.
I’ve considered the fact that missionaries all over the place are now aloud to receive emails, so there is a slight possibility that people in the spirit world get a few minutes here and there to surf the web–or atleast the blogs of their older sisters. Just in case Scotty is able to read this–Scotty, it was SO good hearing from you. We miss you and are working hard to see you again. THAT will be a family reunion like no other! Camp is growing up to be just like you–in the sense that he is already remembering and constantly quoting movie lines… Also, I was listening to one of mom’s mix CD’s and I was laughing because it had a rap song on it (which I have decided will be our official Family Night song) and mom and I got to talking about how you got many of us in the family hooked on a few rap songs-like Gangster’s Paradise (is that the name of it?). That is seriously so funny…Anyway…write again soon…
Also, Sarah (my older sister) and her family came to visit for almost a week last week! It was so, so fun to have them. Sarah and I were not the greatest of friends while growing up, but we have since become very good friends–mainly because Sarah has always been a very good sister to me. She and I are polar opposites in many ways, but I realize more and more how amazing she is. She is the smart one, the loyal friend, the amazing mother, the one who has a true understanding of the gospel. She’s a great example to me. And if that wasn’t enough, she now dresses cuter than me, too. That is seriously pathetic considering the fact that she has never given a darn about clothes in her entire life. I have GOT to pull things together. Anyway, I love you, Sarah. Please come again soon…
AND…Camp started preschool today! I bawled upon hugging him good-bye–partly because I felt such a rush of love for him and partly because I was worried that he would not feel comfortable asking to go potty if he needed to go–but all went well, and he came out with a big smile on his face.
My life is good. Real good.
Ann, I got all choked up reading this! That is the most incredible story…about the letter! Seriously, what an awesome EFY counselor! I had forgotten that your brother had passed away. What a wonderful day for you guys to receive that letter! Thanks so much for sharing this story!
Ann, that is truly a beautiful post and if I wasn’t at work right now I would probably be shedding a tear or two. That EFY counselor deserves a return letter and a phone call because that is a person who really cares. What a precious gift for your family.
Simply amazing! Thanks for sharing.
I can totally hear your voice when I read your posts. Not in a creepy sort of way, I just remember the way you talk and I love it. I am so glad you are so happy. What a great week.
I remember hearing about your brother’s passing, and even without knowing your family real well…I think people can feel for you just because they have their own loved ones that they would hate to lose in this life. All I have to say is that I am so grateful that we know we will see them again someday. That is so neat about the letter. I actually had a merrie miss teacher put a letter that I had written to her into my wedding card that she gave to us when we got married. She had kept it all those years. There was nothing extremely sentimental about it, but it was the fact that she had kept it. I think this is the reason that I love letters and poems and cards…they brighten peoples days and show how eachother truely cares for one another. I am so glad there was someone in your brothers life like that. He or she loved and cared about those kids at EFY and in return was able to bless your family with that love. It’s great how Heavenly Father looks after us through other people!!
Ann, that was a great post and an incredible story. Thanks.
Ann, Wow! That is the coolest story! I too got emotional reading it. What an amazing experience for your family and I agree, that counselor is awesome and deserves a follow up letter!
Also, I didn’t want to ask before for whatever reason but I will now…are you pregnant? I know when you commented about the jeans that you said after you have this baby but I just thought I must have missed something before. Anyways, Congrats!
I have been thinking about Scotty recently. What an experience for your mom and your whole family to get that letter! I couldn’t help the tears from flowing either. You know, watching your family deal with his death and just being able to witness that entire experience was a HUGE testimony builder for me. I was telling Tyler last night that I feel like that was one of the reasons I was supposed to date Charlie. My testimony of the resurrection and the Atonement became very REAL. That helped me so much in teaching on my mission just a few months later. You all inspired me and so many others. Your parents are some of the strongest people I know, with so much faith. I know Scotty can’t wait to see all of you again!
Oh, and HOORAY for Camp starting preschool and doing well! I am so not ready to send Max off yet, but I know the day will come…
Isn’t it amazing the people we find in life who make life better for all of us? What an awesome counselor. I have always thought EFY was kinda lame, but I am reconsidering now. Scotty did have such a great sense of humor and an awesome smile. I saw your mom the other day riding bikes with your sister with the brown hair (I always get the names mixed up), but I thought what an awesome mom!!! Still out there being a mom and working hard with her kids, even when they are older. I’ve always thought she was an amazing woman and what a great example for us moms to follow.
My dear Scotty…that is incredible. I was with Scotty that year at EFY. It was very special. I hope, and almost feel confident that he does receive our emails, or blogs, or letters. I always write him a letter on his birthday, and usually I bake him a cake or something. I think HF let’s him in on those things. I would love to read the letter. Yesterday I received an email from Meg, my old friend from Roosevelt. We’ve lost contact with each other for over six years, and the last time I saw her was at Scotty’s funeral. As life would have it, she accidentally happened on my blog, and we’ve started to get in touch again. She wrote me the most beautiful email about how much Scotty had touched her life. They had a sweet, innocent romance when they were fourteen or so. Scotty wanted to put his arm around her in our car, but he put his arm on her NEAR shoulder, instead of AROUND. Can you imagine how awkward?? It makes me laugh to think of it! Thanks for sharing, Ann. Scotty was bigger than life. I miss him, and can’t wait for that family reunion. It’s one I wouldn’t miss for the world.
Ann, this is Charley. When Mom called and read me the letter, I had a hard time staying composed, partly because I could hear the shakiness in her voice and because I knew what a great blessing it was to get the letter, especially for her but also for all of us. Thanks for the post, it was just spiritual. We’re looking forward to seeing you guys in November. I love you. Thanks again.
I know you don’t know me, but I really enjoyed reading this blog entry. It gave me “happy chills” and is truly a great story. Also, I was in the singles ward with your husband so I just thought I’d check out what is going on in his life. What a cute family you guys have! If you’d like to check out my blog, email me your email address at baldwinvanessa@hotmail.com. I have it protected so only invited users can view it. It’s great catching up with old friends!
Myles starts preschool on Monday. I was planning on having the baby today but nothing is happening yet so I’ll wait awhile longer. Thanks for calling me. It is so good to talk to you.
Ann: I loved this post. I actually visit Scotty almost everytime I visit my son, Evan. He was buried nearby. I think about your mom everytime I am there, and of course, I think of Scotty too. What an amazing gift that was for your mother. Someday, we will see our sons again.
Ann, what a great post! I am at work right now and decided to check out your blog from Rachel and Justin’s blog. I am happy that there was a link to do so!
It was great catching up on your family! Give big hugs and kisses to my 5th son for me!
Love you all,
Cori McEwen (Justin’s mom)