January 27, 2016
Dear Family,
I am thinking of the two great men who have birthday anniversaries today. Granddaddy Flake (Bruce Merlin Flake) was born on January 27, 1907 and our son, Donald Bruce Richardson on January 27, 1972.
I wish more of you could have known my Daddy. I am so grateful that he is my Dad and for being born into an LDS home where Daddy and Mother taught me the gospel both in our home nights and by their example. I am grateful for the great influence Daddy has been in my life. He taught me to be honest, trustworthy and dependable. . Raising a good and righteous family was the top priority for my Daddy and Mother as they worked together. I have so many memories of a home where I felt loved. I had and continue to have a great respect for my father and a desire to make him happy with my choices in life.
Some of his teachings I remember are, "Remember Who You Are", "It is darkest just before the dawn", and “Hold Tight to the Willows". He taught me to be dependable and to be completely honest in all of my dealings. Daddy taught me the joy of missionary service as I remember all the missionary experiences he shared with us and his great love for the Mexican people, Daddy taught me the importance of temple work with the example he and mother showed to travel to Mesa to the temple so often and to sacrifice whatever to be there to fulfill their assignments. Daddy taught me leadership as he served so faithfully and well as bishop in Snowflake ward and in the high council. Daddy taught me the love of family. He made me want to make him happy with the choices I make in my life.
Donald only lived for seven hours. It was such a great blessing for him to come to our home. . I think of the quote of Joseph Smith that says, “The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrow and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice.” I take comfort in knowing that Donald is with his brother Dale, his, Dad and Grandparents. I like to think that they are missionary companions .
Almost every day I think of these great men and the principles of the gospel that they taught me. I am a better person because of the lives of my eternal companion, Jay M. Richardson, my father, Bruce Merlin Flake and my son, Donald Bruce Richardson. They all make me want to strive to better live the gospel so that I can be with them again.
Lots of love now and forever,
Mom, Grandma, Lavona
