A letter to Owen 2/16/16

I am taking this opportunity to share this personal letter to dad. I do it in the hopes that you too will follow Christ, partake of His Atonement, and let nothing deter you from The Path to Eternal Life. It is a daily decision. Roadblocks of discouragement will try to cause you to stumble, but remember that no matter what befalls you, you can never descend below Christ's love and mercy for you ( Elder Holland). We are a Stout Family, and we can do hard things. All my love to each of you. Love one another. Mama

From: Colleen Stout 
Date: Tue, Feb 2, 2016 at 8:42 AM
Subject: To My Husband on Feb.2,2016

Dearest Owen, 67 years ago this morning you and I were sealed in marriage for time and eternity. It was a day we never forgot and never will, and look what it produced in those short years! Ten children and spouses, 71 Grandchildren and spouses, and 101 Great Grandchildren--and counting!!

  Feb, 2, 1949 was the culmination of our courtship of over 4 years. We met in April, 1945, for a short period, and then you were mostly gone for the next several years in the Merchant Marines and a Mission. When you returned on Nov. 13, 1948, we had both grown and changed and were ready to get to know each other. We did that through shuffling in fallen leaves and wading through deep snow of that famous winter of '49. We were engaged on Nov.16 on the BYU campus. . I am wearing the lovely ring you gave me, and I will not remove it. Others will when I am gone. It is a constant reminder of you, and your sacrifices for me and ours. 

  It is interesting that I have learned to know you, love you and appreciate you more since you moved on to a better world. I often thank Heavenly Father for you, and ask him to let you know how much I love you, miss you and need you. I want YOU to know that too.

 You worked do hard to support and rear a wonderful family. You never stopped. Only your stilled heart put an end to your labors. You were worn out. You did well with your turn on earth.

 More than anything, I want to thank you for your determination to  do what is right- let the consequence follow. You fought the good fight, endured to the end, and were on the Path of Eternal Life. You were a follower of Christ and had a testimony of Him and his Gospel, You were a faithful Home Teacher to the last month of your life, never missing!! 

 I love you Owen Dear. Thank you for your commitment and love to me. Thank you for an outstanding family. Thank you for being near me since you left, to help and comfort me in my loneliness.

 Come and take me home at the right time.

 Forever Yours, Love, Colleenie