"Teenager"

R.J. you are a teenager! I still can't believe how many years have passed. It seems like only yesterday when you were born and I was holding you in my arms. Since you are getting older, you must come to understand all the great things that are going to come to pass in your life. After you were a few years old, you received a letter in the mail from your Grandpa Melendez. He was impressed to write these words for you:

R.J.,

These are some of my thoughts and feelings that are in my heart, and I wish to express them to you to be used as guidance in the future. Since your first days of birth, I have called you "MI HIJO". This is a Spanish word for "MY SON". It is a phrase that is used to express a deep and tender love for someone special.

You are the first born of my daughter Rachel, who was named after Rachel, wife of Jacob in the Old Testament. Your presence into this world was an amazing blessing. You were a very impressive young baby destined by your size and quick mind to achieve great things in this life. It pleases me to see you grow. You have been blessed with the following attributes:

You are gentle, kind and have a friendly smile and that will bring you many friends. Always be a good example to your sister. That is one of the major blessings a first born can have to his family. From your example others will follow.

You have a great desire to succeed, having been blessed with a drive necessary to accomplish great things. Heavenly Father will be very pleased with you. You have been blessed with the ability to learn quick and to remember details once they have been given to you.

Education is as important as food and water. Do not starve yourself, seek for a higher education. The church and your family need educated man. Be loyal to your Heavenly Father, your spouse and country. Be a man of good repute. Remember you carry the name of Hazen and Melendez, protect them well.

When you loose a ball game, it is expected that you shall take defeat with honor. For that is what Grandpa would expect of you. I shall always love you and pray that you will always be happy and content with yourself.

Grandpa Melendez

In these past 13 years some of these blessings have already come to pass. We are so proud of the young man you are becoming. Your presence in our family has

blessed our lives. Please use your Grandpa's words of guidance in your life as you grow older. I have known since you were born how special you are! Don't ever waste the person you were meant to be. We can't wait to see what the next years of your life brings. Happy Birthday Baby, we love you!

xoxo,

Mom & Dad