From Dad January 18, 2015

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Re: Letter 7 of 3

Dear Riley:

I was sitting down to write you one last letter before you leave for Thailand.  I’m fairly confident you won’t have a terribly restful night.  I’m not sure what your schedule will be like tomorrow, whether you’ll have part of a P day, whether you’ll be able to get your emails…etc.  Hopefully this will provide you with something to read during the 19 hours of air time.  NB has a lot to do with getting you off, and filled us in on some of the details of your departure and Itinerary.  A good number of people seem to be taking particular interest in your progress and communication.  We’ll miss the frequent personal updates from individuals who cross paths with you.  The most significant was when Cambry inadvertently struck up conversation with one of your MTC Teachers.  That report was extremely personal, insightful and appreciated. 

Last week was a relatively quiet one.  The highlight was my 46^th birthday which played out in a different way than anticipated.  We ate Eggs Benedict for breakfast, Beef Enchiladas for dinner (of course), but actually had the food portion today because Leadelle surprised me by taking me away Friday night. We went and stayed at the Little America (four stars!), ate at the Market Street Grill (fabulous!), went to breakfast Saturday morning at the Park Café which is a ramshackle former home converted into a restaurant.  It draws crowds of people from all walks of life.  (What an experience!), went to the Draper Temple, (Absolutely gorgeous and spiritually uplifting.), came home and took the kids laser tagging and glow in the dark miniature golfing, and ate pizza.... We had a ball.  It was a very nice break.

Your Mother was commenting that she didn’t have my first three letters posted on the blog, so I went and pulled them up and emailed them to her.  In the process of doing this I came across a letter I wrote to you in 2010 when your Scout super activity was climbing seven peaks over 10,000 ft in five days.  As I read it again, I felt it was applicable to this period in your life and that you might enjoy a little walk down memory lane.    

 Written July 31, 2010

 Dear Riley:

What an awesome adventure! !  Each morning you awake early with your sights set on a lofty goal that challenges both your mental and physical limits.  Each day provides you with yet another grand vista and a perspective that only a handful share.  So few nowadays find it within themselves to rise above the mundane; pursue aspirations that distinguish themselves from a crowd; and engage in activities that build strength and character.  I can’t think of any substitute for the feeling you get with each mountain you climb and conquer.   I’m sure you’re tired, but this is something you will remember with satisfaction long after the weariness and pain has passed.

I hope that amidst the fun and silliness that is synonymous with almost every Scout activity of this sort, you take some time in quiet reflection to consider the beauty of creation and all the wonders that God has provided to lift our spirits and gladden our hearts.  Isn’t God good?  Isn’t life wonderful?  Aren’t our bodies and physical abilities remarkable?.... Up on a mountain peak, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life with its countless distractions is an ideal time to meditate and ponder on your place in all of this.  For me, such settings almost always invite the Spirit and inspiration flows more freely.

I’ve enjoyed following your day by day progress.  It’s a thrill to see your signal mirror and know that my Riley is up there and connecting with me across the miles.  There’s a magic in this which is nearly impossible to describe and I find myself wishing I were standing by your side.  I loved being in camp on Thursday and seeing a unique bond formed between you, your fellow scouts, and your leaders; one that only comes from facing and overcoming multiple challenges together.  The pictures were breathtaking and stirred in me a desire to climb peaks more often.

There is a metaphor for life in this.  The secret to a life of happiness lies not in avoiding pain and discomfort, but in consistently setting and achieving worthy goals.  While most of the world walks in the valleys and seeks the low places, you can walk the high paths and lofty summits where the air is clear and the view inspiring.  Each challenge you face and overcome in life will build strength and character that make future obstacles easier to conquer    Your example can lift others and inspire them to greater things.  The light you reflect from your Savior will be seen from afar and instill in others a desire to stand where you stand.  I bear witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ has all the elements for finding happiness in this life and joy in the eternities to come.  If you follow Him, you will be part of a small but choice group of individuals who rise above the world.  His path may not be as easy as other paths available, but His reward is the greatest and will leave you with a quiet contentment, peace of conscience, and a sense of true purpose.      

Riley, I just want you to know that I’m well pleased with the person you are becoming.  You’re smart, capable, good looking, and fun to be with. Quite an extraordinary and charming young man!  Most importantly you are walking a path that is pleasing to your Heavenly Father and I can’t help but feel that He has great things in store for you.  Stay true.  Stand in high places.  Always have goals that keep you looking heavenward.  I love you so much and am so grateful you’re part of our family.  Our home just hasn’t been the same without you.  Thanks for going on this activity and seeing it through to the finish.  You’ve been an inspiration to me.

All my love,

Dad