Dear Lydia (Sister Peaden)

Dear Lydia,
The neatest thing happened today during your very first General Conference. President Monson stood up at the pulpit announced that the ages for missionaries were going to be changed. Worthy young men will now be able to serve a mission at age 18. Worthy young women will now be able to serve at age 19. This is such a huge change! You will grow up and not know anything different - but right now men can serve at 19 and women can serve at 21. I can't help but think about how this will affect you. Your dad and I were talking about it and decided that your chances of going on a mission just skyrocketed because of this new opportunity. I have also thought a lot about what that change may have meant for me if it had come just a few years sooner. I always wanted to go on a mission, and even started filling our my papers to go, but I met your dad and he was worth putting a mission on hold for 50 years or so. I wonder what would have happened if I had been 19 and able to serve a mission. The one thing I know for sure is that marrying your dad and having you was the best thing that I have ever done and I don't regret a thing. Your life may end up being so different from mine and I am so excited for the opportunities that you will have! I look at you today, on your five month birthday and can already see the happiness and personality that will fill your life. You may choose to serve a mission or you may not. Either way I hope that you love the gospel with all your heart and that I am able to raise you with a firm testimony and relationship with our Savior.

The fact that we have prophets on the earth today who receive revelation from God is an amazing thing and I am grateful for it. I love you Lydia!      --Your Mom.