Only the Beginning

Dear Teryn,

Tonight after bathing and getting you dressed for bed, we said our prayers and I sat in the chair to rock you and sing primary songs. I sang our favorites- -"A Child's Prayer," "I Love to see the Temple," "I Feel My Savior's Love," and "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus," just like every other night.

But something tonight was different. I started to sing "I Love to see the Temple" and you stopped sucking your binky and smiled at me. It made me smile, and I got thinking about the words I was singing. "....For the temple is a holy place where we are sealed together. As a child of God, I've learned this truth: a Fam'ly is forever."

I started to cry.

You are such a special boy and I am so blessed to be your mother......forever. For always. And no matter what. But on top of that, we will be with your uncle Teryn again someday too.

I admit, when we brought you home from the hospital, it took me a few days to get used to calling you Teryn. It was hard. When I found out he was gone, a certain part of me was lost. Some people may think I wanted to name you Teryn so I wouldn't have to let go......so I could replace what was gone. That's not the case- - he could never be replaced. We decided to name you Teryn because he was a great man. He was the most generous person I know, and he loved and cared for people very much. Especially me. I wish so much that you and dad could meet him......and you will......someday. I miss him. More than I can say. But we will be with him again and we'll never have to say goodbye.

You will grow and you will make choices that will shape your life. I know you will do well and I know you will always give me reasons to be proud. And if names have anything to do with the outcome of your life, I know you will be a man of strength, wisdom, happiness, and love.

I love you Teryn. Both of you =0)

Love, mom - Dano