Letters to Luke
A note from Dad
Luke, This is such a bittersweet time for me. I am so excited for you to go on your mission. There is nothing better you could be doing at this time in your life. But from a selfish perspective, I am heart broken to be away from you for two years. You are such a joy in my life and I will miss you terribly. I look forward to watching from a distance as the Lord helps you develop into the man He knows you can become. “Forget yourself and go to work.” I love you, son, and I am so proud of you. God do amazing things with the Lord. Love Dad
A note from Mom
Luke, I want you to know how much I love you. I’ve been so impressed by you as you’ve taken the steps to receive the priesthood, go through the temple, start the Home MTC and head out on your mission. You’ve grown and matured a lot over the last year and I’m so proud of you. I will miss our deep talks, the times you come home from work late and lay on the carpet or on my bed and talk through all the things going on in your life, the hand shakes, side hugs, your quick wit, (you’re really so funny that it makes me laugh out loud), our little family jokes and all the travel memories.
I’ve seen your testimony deepen and your confidence grow as you’ve prepared for your mission and I’m so impressed by your dedication. It takes courage, faith and a willingness to put the Lord first, and it was so fun to watch you embody those characteristics and literally become a missionary right before our eyes. I have a deep sense of peace knowing that you are going exactly where you are needed and that this experience will shape you in ways that will bless you the rest of your life. I will miss having you at home, but I love where you are. Luke, it’s such an honor to be your mom.
I love you so much. Mom
A note from Katie
Luke! I am so excited for you to start your mission. It is seriously the best thing ever to just focus on your relationship with God and help others and not worry about yourself at all - it bings so much JOY. You are gonna be the best missionary because youa re such an easy guy to talk to, you’re a great friend, and you live your testimony. Thanks for being the best brother. I love hanging out with you and I’m so glad we were able to hang and see you so much the past couple years with you in St. George. You are seriously so fun to have around and you complete our family — I’m gonna miss you so much!! Have the best 2 years! Love you!!!! Katie
A note from Emily
LUKE! You are leaving so soon that is so crazy. You are so old and I am so impressed with how smart and mature you are. I love how funny and awesome and passionate you are. You are so yourself no matter what. I respect that so much. New Hampshire (and wherever else) is going to be sooo cool. I’m excited to hear all about it. I hope you have so much fun with your companion and learn good stuff if you want. I’m gonna miss you! Emily
A note from Megan
ELDER JOHNSON - Luke! I am so proud of you. You are doing the best thing in the world. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my mission. Serving God and wearing Jesus Christ’s name on my chest for 18 months brought me the most joy I’ve ever felt. My favorite things was having the spirit with me constantly to guide me. I’m so excited for you to have testimony building experiences and become more Christlike. It’s going to be hard but so worth it! I know that you can lean on Jesus Christ and do it all with Him. You are going to be the best missionary and have so much aura. One scripture that helped me was Moroni 8:2-3. I know that God is mindful of you and has called you to do this work! I can’t wait to hear about the people you meet. I’ll miss you so much! My best buddy fr. Have faith and desire and anything is possible. I love you. See you in 2! Megan (attached: cartoon drawing of missionary Megan and Missionary Luke that says ‘passing the torch’ as she hands him the name tag.) Adorable.
A note from Matt
Luke - you’re a stud - hopefully you are gonna do well on the mission. I’m going to miss hangin out but I’ll call you. Super super fun to talk to and I’m glad we have the exact same interests. Love you bro. - Matt (m bro)
A note from Grandma Walton
It has been such a joy to watch you grow into such a wonderful, dedicated and thoughtful man. Your fun, happy and friendly personality will serve you well on your mission and your work ethic will be a blessing. I’m so proud of you and your desire to go and serve the Lord and all the people you don’t know yet! I’ll be praying for you and I know that the Lord will help and strengthen you. I love the gospel and the Lord and I love you! Love Grandma Walton
A note from Brian
Long ago, on my mission, a quirky ex-bounty hunter turned farm-hand once prayed that “I’d be able to seek out… and destroy the heathens!” I now wish the same for you though I would note that the best way to “destroy a heathen” is to lovingly invite them unto the Savior.
Luke I want you to know that I feel very blessed and honored to have you as a nephew. I’m proud of you and am excited for all the adventures you have ahead of you in your mission and beyond. I love you! Brian Walton
A note from Annie
Luke! I know you’ve heard it all - you’ll be great, change lies, best 2 years, yeah yeah yeah. Classic mission hype. Just know we all love you! You have like 35 waltons cheering you on! (I’m not really sure how many Waltons there are) But there are a lot and we are all praying for Elder J! What a blessing, am I right? Anyways, bye! Love Annie (and the other 24 Waltons)