This precious tape had been miraculously kept safe during the remainder of Elder Phelps' mission and then so thoughtfully sent to us to arrive on Christmas Day. We shed tears of joy as we listened to our son share his feelings and experiences and his admonition to his younger brothers to appreciate the blessings of America as they prepare for their future missions. He sang songs in both Spanish and English, including the National Anthem, to express his feelings towards his homeland.

This was an incredible Christmas gift to our family from a loving Heavenly Father who knew of Eric's short earthly mission. By this and many other ways, Heavenly Father touched our lives in love and tenderness to help us through a very difficult loss.

The memory of the special circumstances of receiving this tape on Christmas Day will always be cherished. At every future Christmas I envision bringing out this tape to again rekindle this special connection with our son Eric. In the midst of sorrow and grieving, the receipt of a very special, surprise Christmas gift brightened our family's Christmas holiday.

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About the author...

Van Johnson is a construction manager. His wife, Cindy, is an executive assistant in West Valley city government, working in the fitness center. They have six children including Eric and one granddaughter who lives in Colorado. The Johnsons are going to Colorado to their daughter's home for Christmas. They will play the tape that Eric made on Christmas Day. The playing of this tape has become a family tradition.