Feedback

I urge, implore, entreat

How excited I was to see the New Era this morning with “Getting along with Stepparents, p. 32” on the front cover. I read “Staying in Step with a New Parent” and now must write you before I finish the magazine.

Thank you so much for an article on stepparents, and the way you presented it so positively. I urge, implore, beg, plead, entreat, beseech you to keep those articles coming to help those of us beleaguered stepparents who seem to be fighting a losing battle.

Speaking strictly for myself, it is difficult to put up with outright disobedience of children who inform me that I am not their mother, only their father’s wife.

I hope the children will read the article and realize that it will help them learn how to get along with a new missionary companion or spouse as well as a stepparent.

Martha Maurer
Mountlake Terrace, Washington

Reflecting on eternity

Thanks, New Era, for all the uplifting articles and stories that you publish. I truly love your magazine and eagerly await its arrival. I have always cut out your Mormonads and kept them in a special binder. I must thank you for the Mormonad “Reflect on Eternity” in the June 1988 issue. Temple marriage is one of my most important goals in life, and this means everything to me. Needless to say it has prominent display in my bedroom to remind me of my great opportunity to gain celestial marriage. Thanks, New Era. Keep up the good work.

Becky Kendle Preston
Lancashire, England

Lonely meetings

I was deeply touched by the story “Alone in a Crowd” in the June 1988 issue. As I read it I thought of my many lonely sacrament meetings when my parents would be at home or in the choir seats.

I would sit with one of my friend’s families, but the loneliness would still come because I would be jealous of the family I was with.

I don’t think I ever showed it outside, but inside I was dying. I have come to realize that there are people out there worse off than I am. So I try to become their friend in any way possible.

I just remember the song “You’re Not Alone.” Sometimes I sing the words. It helps. It really does. Because then I think I really am not alone.

Thank you for publishing this very touching story to help others.

Name withheld

I feel alone

I extend my thanks to Nani Lii S. Furse for her fiction story “The First December” in the August issue. My parents have been separated for three years, but signs of love had diminished a long time prior to the actual separation. Amidst a ward of numerous happy families, I often feel alone in my situation. I hope this article has helped those so greatly blessed with nurturing family situations to understand the difficulties of those who are less fortunate. Even though this was a fiction story, I received comfort as I could relate to the strong emotions involved. I wholeheartedly support the Church’s emphasis on families, but I seldom hear a lesson regarding the subject of divorce. Thanks, Nani!

Heidi Hulse
Palo Alto, California

Wherever I go

Thanks so much for publishing letters and articles from people all over. It makes me feel united as a church—knowing that there are youth all over the world striving to maintain high standards like the ones shown in every issue of the New Era. It makes me happy to know that wherever I go, the LDS youth will stand out because they’ll stand up for what they believe. Thanks, New Era, for showing me this.

Telindalee Beck
Tacoma, Washington

A brown envelope?

Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful publication to me. I live in Turkey, and staying close to the gospel is very hard. Every time I see a brown envelope in the mail I tear it open just hoping that it is the New Era. I wish it were a weekly publication.

The New Era helps me with the many peer pressures here in Turkey.

Rebecca Taylor
Incirlik AB, Turkey