Letter From Dad

Dear Ephraim,

Welcome to our Cooper family. It took Grandpa Cooper 15 years to get two boys but it only took me 5, thanks to you. I was super excited for you to join our family. Just a couple days after your due date Cherise's blood sugars were reading low so the doctor wanted us to have you that day. I talked with Grandma Cooper who recommended we should have you induced right away. You were fully baked and we wanted you here safely so bad decided to check into the hospital that evening. We made sure to eat some buffalo blue cheese fries at Cubby's before we got there. They were good. We checked in and they hooked Mom up to some medicine that would help you come faster. She started to have contractions so I helped Mom through the pain by massaging her legs and arms. I love you Mom so much. You were getting really close so the doctor broke your water. I got a little worried because every time Mom would have a contraction your heart rate would dip. I prayed for you to join our family safely. Heavenly Father answered my prayers when you came out. Your umbilical cord was wrapped around you neck so when Mom had a contraction it would choke you. That is why your heart rate was dipping during contractions. When you came out I got to cut your umbilical cord. It squirted me in the face. You started to cry and you made the biggest pouty bottom lip, it was so cute. I was so happy you were safely here. The nurses got you cleaned up and gave you back to Mom.  Mom did such a good job bring you here.  You were so healthy and perfect in every way. I got be with you as they took and measured your vitals in the nursery. As I looked at you joy and love filled my heart. 

We decided to name you Ephraim Jacob Cooper. One of my favorite role models from the Bible is Joseph of Egypt. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to be the head of Pottipher's house. He ran from temptation and sin to keep his covenants and was cast into prison. He had every reason to give up in life but he didn't. He knew he was a son of God and loved his Heavenly Father and zealously kept the commandments. Even while in prison for unjust reasons he was optimistic and happy. He knew God would bless him. In prison he became the head of the prison and was blessed with the spiritual gift interpretation of dreams. God blessed him to get out of prison and become second in command in Egypt. Joseph's second was named Ephraim. I am sure Ephraim was like his father. The tribe of Ephraim was blessed with the privilege and responsibility to bear the priesthood, take the message of the restored gospel to the world, and raise and ensign to gather scattered Israel. Ephraim you will be blessed to have these privileges and responsibilities. You were born in the last days when the fulness of the gospel is on the earth. I often marvel at how we can be so blessed to be born into the everlasting covenant with parents who love God and follow the prophet. Out of the billions of people who have lived and died you are one of the most blessed of Heavenly Father's children to be born under such circumstances. You have a rich heritage of ancestors who have loved God and served him with all their hearts might mind and strength. I bless you that you will follow the example of your ancestors and be like your name sake Ephraim, Joseph's son and live up to the blessings and privileges that God has given you.  Your middle name is Jacob. We chose this name because of your two Uncle Jacobs and your Great, Great, Great, Great Grandpa Jacob Hamblin. Both of your Uncle Jacobs are very loving and caring individuals. They will be great role models for you, just how my Uncle Lyle and Uncle Steve were great role models for me. Jacob Hamblin had many trials and blessings in his life and was great missionary and servant of God. He followed the prophet and was a peace maker. You will have a very happy life if will serve like your Grandpa Jacob Hamblin.

I love you Ephraim Jacob Cooper and I will do everything I can to teach you and raise you to be a man of God.