Dear Dunk

Dear Dunk:                                                                                                                         November 6, 2011

This morning, I woke up and was kind of bored, so you and I went downstairs to watch some TV.  I put you in your ExerSaucer that has all sorts of toys and music and things to occupy you.  It lets you stand, jump around, spin, and have a good time.  As I was flipping through the channels, you paid no attention to what was on the TV because of all the fun toys you had at your reach.  I came upon the KBYU channel where a rebroadcast of President Thomas S. Monson was airing.  As soon as President Monson’s voice left the speakers of the television, it was as if a light bulb turned on inside your head.  You immediately recognized the voice as if it was your mother’s or my own.  You threw the rattle that was in your hand half-way across the room (which is pretty far for just a little guy…) and spun around 180 degrees toward the sound of the Prophet’s voice.  You gave President Monson the same excited face you give when your mother or I come into the room after you haven’t seen one of us for a while.  You immediately sat down in your ExerSaucer, tilted your head to the right, and watched intently as the Prophet spoke. 

                I had many thoughts running through my head as I saw this happening.  How could, simply, a voice draw the attention of you, a six-month-old baby, away from all the colors, toys, music, and fun right at your fingertips?  How could you have recognized a prophet’s voice as easily as one of your parents’ voices when you have only previously heard him speak once in your life?  Why don’t I pay the same notice whenever I hear the prophet’s voice? 

                I think the only way that the voice of the Prophet could draw your attention away from that toy of yours would be if you heard the Savior’s voice through him.  This reminded me that only six short months ago you were in His presence.  This serves as a testimony to me that we are all God’s children and that he has entrusted your care and spiritual well-being to your mom and I.  You didn’t turn toward the television when we were on any previous channel, listening to any other person; you turned only toward the Prophet. 

I have only really grown up with two prophets in my lifetime so far.  I remember the day when I received the testimony that President Gordon B. Hinckley was called of God to be His prophet.  I was in the Missionary Training Center and I was lucky enough to be there during General Conference.  Up until that point I had not ever received a personal testimony that he was, indeed, called of God.  The day I heard him speak while I was in the MTC, the Spirit testified to me that he was the Prophet through a feeling that I cannot describe in words.  A year and a half later, President Hinckley passed away and President Monson was called to be the Prophet in his stead.  That was almost four years ago.  I have always followed President Monson’s counsel, but ever since he was called, I have been looking for that same feeling to reaffirm my testimony.  Today you gave that to me. 

                I know, now, through your example that, while in heaven, there were only a handful of people you watched so you would recognize them here on earth—your mother and I, other family members, and the leaders of the church.   Today your future siblings saw your example, and I am sure they felt the same way I did when you showed your testimony of the Prophet of God.  I know that you are a child of God and that President Monson is the true Prophet of God called to lead and guide us back to Heavenly Father’s presence.  A modern day Moses, or Abraham, was on our television this morning, and you had the obedience that so many are lacking in our day to turn to the Prophet and heed his call.  I pray that you will always keep that obedience.

I love you,

Dad