Dearest Ezra,

It was so refreshing to see you praising the Lord, as you do. I am glad that God has a true worshipper in your soul, at church. You listen to the sermon and you are loving to sing for God's glory. Everything that you do, you seem to pursue with your whole self, at this age.
You do somewhat remind me of your father, who is very exuberant and my father who was also very exuberant. Your father loves God and goes at his faith with his all.
My father was discouraged, at the loss of his grandmother, at 12 years old and never talked to God much after that. I hope that never happens to you. I hope that in spite of the things that happen and the losses that you are sure to have in life that you will always know that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Some people call it free will and then stick their foot out to see you fall down and see if you will get back up. Others, mark the way for their young people to follow, in faith so that they won't get lost. Sometimes the intimate knowledge of the fathers ways and what made them do what they did, can help you in your determinations. I do hope that it will.
People love you and now you are in a season where all of the nest is hear and at home. You have a constant barrage of love upon you, but they are all sure to go their ways and things are sure to happen that will also discourage you. God never means for you to be lost in discouragement, just because we are fallible in our attempts to raise you right. We will be here as long and as much as we can, but when we are not here, God is here and He is more dependable than the hugest of family ties. I love you and would not see you depend so on your pillow of family love which seems so fluffy right now. Life batters the pillow and it will get crumpled in time and not hold your head the way that it does now. But don't forget that God is always there. In your discouragements and when you have no one left with you and no other encouragements, God is there. I love you

Happy Day

My first second grade teacher's meeting. You are growing and learning and doing the second grade stuff. That is always a pleasure to hear. You are busy and unfocused sometimes and respectful to your elders, when you remember to be. I can't ask for much more than that. I am glad that God is letting me be your mother.