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My husband Adam and I have been close friends with Nathan and Holly since the spring of 2004 when Nathan and Adam were stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Nathan was serving in the United States Navy Band and Adam in the United States Coast Guard. We met through our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Nathan and Holly were the first and most influential friends we made while on the East Coast. Unfortunately, we lost our close proximity with them when Nathan and Holly moved to Utah in pursuit of Nathan’s higher education. Luckily, we have remained close and in touch while visiting regularly when we can.
I was always impressed by the magnitude with which they fulfilled their responsibilities in their workplaces and in our church, all while staying unified and bonded as a couple. Nathan and Holly are older than us by a few years so naturally we looked to their lead and example on many levels. In our faith, the family is considered the most fundamental and important unit life brings. Couples have the opportunity to participate in a very symbolic and everlasting marriage ceremony in the temple. Nathan and Holly were our mentors throughout this process of performing our own temple marriage. Having their support not only meant the world to us, but was very critical to our spiritual progression at the time.
Holly and Nathan also lead a very active, inviting life that has impressed us. When the four of us lived in Newport, we usually congregated in their home where we were treated to Holly’s homemade meals and Nathan’s humor and wit. They are both very fun and exciting. We could always find the two of them taking long afternoon walks or at Newport’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” in the dead of winter. When they found time around Nathan’s busy Navy schedule, they would put their extensive collection of camping gear to use.
Nathan and Holly are very ambitious individuals. They both share a great love and gift of music. Nathan’s gift on the French Horn and general musical talent afforded him a dignified profession in the Navy Band. He was also successful performing musical ensembles on the side. We always enjoyed attending his performances in the community, such as at a church service on Christmas Eve. It was a wise decision for Nathan to further his education in music at Utah State University before continuing with the Navy Band. His recent completion of a Music Performance Degree will open up many opportunities to pursue his passion while nobly supporting his family.
Holly has never taken a private music lesson in her life, but can perform and teach in any musical capacity. She led our local church choir in many varieties of musical pieces and ensembles. When Holly served as Ward Choir Director, the choir was continuously invited to perform at funerals and Stake events, where multiple congregations assembled. She also complements her husband’s instrumental talent as an accomplished flutist.
Along with Holly’s musical hobby, she serves a wide range of additional hobbies in the arts. Shortly after meeting Holly, it became apparent how gifted and passionate Holly was in the area of scrap booking. Her scrapbooks were so exceptional that she was able to create a word-of-mouth side business, called Flutterbug Designs, making wedding and baby books.
They also both faithfully served in our church's Young Men's and Young Women's Program's in Newport. Nathan was the President and Holly a Counselor. Nathan and I served as President of the Young Men's and Young Women's Organization during the same time. He always had a way and connection with the young men that truly impacted their lives. When then there were difficult matters in the young men's lives, they could always confide in Nathan as a role model and father figure. When I served as a counselor with Holly in the Young Women's Organization, she brought creativity and fun into the young women's lives. The girls could see who they wanted to become as women through Holly's great example.
As I have described, Nathan and Holly live an enriching and fulfilled life through their own marriage, professions, hobbies, talents, and service. I truly see them when I envision the best atmosphere and family for a child to be brought up in. Their teamwork and commitment to each other has been timelessly apparent through their greatest challenge of infertility. Holly and Nathan have had the burning desire for a child since we’ve known them. They have gone through great lengths to conceive. I commend their efforts to bring a child into the world of their loving care. I also admire their commitment to having their own child through adoption. I am a strong advocate for appropriate child placement having personally been adopted. It would be my strongest recommendation to approve Holly and Nathan for adoption. A child would be very fortunate to gain the upbringing Nathan and Holly would provide.
Sincerely,
Marie
Marie, Heather & Holly at Heather's wedding.