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has been a thrill to see our children grow and develop to become people
I can admire and respect.

Our grandchildren have been one of the delights of our lives.
They are individuals, of course, but we have especially appreciated the
opportunity to associate so frequently and closely with Dan, Paul, Chad
and Erica because of their residences in Martinez, nearby. We have
loved tending Bryce and Zoe in Palo Alto. I wish we could have had
more time with Richard Thomas and Katherine, Jarrod, Heather and
Kristen, but their distant residences interfered. Ryan, of course, is just
beginning his life. Jean has a pillow on which is embroidered, “If I had
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In my youth, I wondered about the LDS Church and it’s doc-
trines. I wondered if people were devoted to the Church out of family
custom or social acceptances in Utah. Life has taught me that those who
study LDS doctrine become increasingly convinced and faithful and ac-
tive in the Church. Be assured, the Gospel will bear objective analysis.
I have read hundreds of books. The Book of Mormon is one of
the most complex books I have ever read. Whereas the Old Testament
tells us very little about Jesus Christ’s plan of salvation for our souls,
the Book of Mormon provides greater information. The idea that Joseph
Smith, who had less than three years of formal education, could create
such a book from his own mind is ludicrous.

I am convinced that Joseph Smith literally saw God the Father
and Jesus Christ, His Son, and heard them speak. This same Jesus has
provided an opportunity whereby we can return to Heaven and continue
in an everlasting progression if we will choose to live worthily. This
earth life is but an opportunity, amid good and evil choices, to be tested
and to grow while we are physically separated from God.

Are spiritual matters factual? Life has taught me that there are
two kinds of facts. A physical or chemical fact is easy to prove because
it can be reproduced or demonstrated under laboratory conditions. Spiri-
tual facts are no less real. An easy demonstration is to think through – do
you, as a parent, love your children, or do you care for them simply to

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