Tino's Priesthood Preview

We attended a special Priesthood Preview event for Tino a couple of months ago.  It was a special night to honor all future Priesthood holders.  Parents and all of the prospective Priesthood holders that live in Orlando were in attendance.  After dinner and desert, a member of the Stake Presidency spoke to the young men.  Later on in the evening, there was an opportunity for us to meet with our Bishops and Branch Presidents in a small group setting.

Since our Branch President was out of the country, we met with Bishop Snow.  He actually lives two streets over from us, but we have never had an opportunity to interact with him since we attend the Spanish speaking Branch.  The spirit he brought to that meeting was incredible.  I didn't cry when Tino went to Kindergarten, nor did I cry when he started Middle School.  But there were several tears shed that evening, as I realized my little baby boy is growing up much too fast.


One of our assignments as parents was to write a letter to our sons.  It was a personal letter, but an excerpt of the letter reads:

We are so privileged to have you as our son.  We are so proud of the accomplishments you have made in your life so far.  Once you put your mind to doing something, there is no turning back.  You have excelled at school, in baseball, and with your latest endeavor-playing the baritone because of your determination.

You have also been such an example to us when it comes to being a follower of our elder brother and Savior, Jesus Christ.  You have a very tender heart and quietly serve your brother, sister, and parents.


You have been blessed with the gift of discernment.  You know that right is RIGHT and wrong is WRONG . . . with absolutely no in between.  You help strengthen the testimony and faith of your family members and those around you by your good example.

It's funny because often I actually get a little bent out of shape when Tino is being "TOO GOOD".  For example, when I want him to skip school so we can go to Sea World and ride the roller coasters, his response is "Well, do you think I am going to get into trouble if I skip school?"  In the eternal scheme of things, does it really matter if my son won't go hang out with me at the parks when everyone else is in school?  NO!  But in the eternal scheme of things, I have a son that has learned to choose the right. 

I look forward to the day when Tino receives the Aaronic Priesthood. 

I love you Tino Bambino!