I love you family

To be read when I am gone. Each family member should read their own. 

My family. I love you. For this past year you've caused tears to roll down my cheeks, for this day. Thanks for the times we've shared. If leaving on my mission can accomplish only one thing with you guys, I want it to bring you closer. Realize that family time is precious above everything else. Build your relationships with intentional effort. I love you guys. 

Tyler- as we "painted" the inside of the playhouse you looked at me with concern because I was crying. I tried to explain my tears were for you. But at least you understand "comfort" and "love" already and that's all I felt through your kind hug to me. I love you. 

Sarah- you know how to love.  Your hugs to me have always been sincere. Thanks for asking me to play all the time. I love you. 

Rebecca- when you're laughing hard, everyone else is too, because of you. Thanks for being the biggest fan of our dances in my room. You dance hard! Thanks you for sharing with me a love of ewoks. I love you. 

Katelyn- remember driving fast in our church parking lot and turning really hard? I do. You're always willing to spend time with me whether it's teaching me how to do something, or playing sports. I love you. 

Kyle- I remember as a little kid you always make me laugh when you stole my stuff, and then would laugh so hard you couldn't run fast enough  to escape. Also it's a pleasant surprise when I find out I have so many new pictures on my iPod – all crazy selfie's of you. I remember teaching you chords on the guitar. I remember giving you a long hug when you were crying because I was going. I'm giving you one now in spirit too. I love you. 

Melissa- you're kind. You can sympathize with others very well. It meant a lot to me when you asked me to teach you how to throw a frisbee. You also share a love of plays with me. Thank you for always helping out with the kids. I also remember giving you a long hug when you were crying because I was going. That made me feel loved. It's comforting to know that this isn't hard just only for me. I love you. 

Rachel- thanks for going on the Sundance lift with me. You made a day of out of shape hillclimbing, gas spilling, awkward prolonged cashier eye contact, and wrong turning, turn into a loved memory. Thanks for always baking good food. You're going to be a great mother. I admire your love of reading. You're smart. And you'll be successful. I love you. 

Kevin- I guess I can say that I've gotten to know you better than myself, after a lifetime of sharing a room with you :-). When you're focused your FOCUSED! Your creative, innovative, and fearless. I always admire how you've always stuck to your workouts. Hiking Timp for your eagle will be a happy memory for me on my mission. I loved that so much. Thanks for truly being a friend to me. We've done so much together. I love you. 

Allison- i'm so grateful we've been able to grow our relationship and friendship so much this year. Thanks for all the support you've given me. Your personality is so fun, giving, accepting, connecting, and delightful to be around. I'm so glad you're my sister and I love you. I love remembering times we worked the same shift at Orange Leaf.  I always looked forward to those. Haha Asian pedicure ladies and getting kicked in the face, Sherri murdering people, and going to cafe rio. You're independent and I admire that. You'll do great in college and if you choose to serve a mission. You're so good at sharing, I remember when we were little kids, how you would always share your candy with me and others. You're pretty. I love you. 

Haha Me- work hard on your mission and give everything you can to the Lord.

Mom- thank you for everything. You hold this family together. You do so much that we fail to appreciate. Thanks for always caring about how I feel and always listening. You have a great laugh and pretty eyes. Thank you for teaching me to love others. Thank you for your example to me of service. I remember you helping a wheelchaired person on an Oregon beach. And you didn't even hesitate. I want to be like you. I love you.

Dad- thank you for being so invested in my success and in my mission. Thank you for teaching me how to work hard. Thank you for being an example of a priesthood man. You're righteous and a good example. I can see your righteous desires and care for our family. Your choices you've made in your life, especially with the situation you've come from, is inspiring to me. Thank you for choosing the Gospel. I don't know what I'd do without it. Also, you sparked my testimony of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. You've built it on so many occasions. I love your testimony. Thank you. I love you. 

Family, please pray for me. Please pray for my Spanish, for help not being home-sick, and for help with the transition. As I'm writing this I have faith in Heavenly Father, but there are times where I feel scared. But I choose faith. 

Until my first letter, I love you. 

-Jacob