Letters of Recommendation

To Whom It May Concern:

 

Erika and I have had the privilege of knowing Jessa and Keaton through several phases of their lives. We first got to know Jessa when she was a high school student, when we were both her teachers. In choir and in musical theatre productions, Jessa was a dedicated artist while also being kind and fun-loving. Like most of her classmates, she affectionately called me “Doc” (instead of the administration-approved title, Dr. Manternach), and she was always gracious in expressing how much her music and theatre classes meant to her. 

At the time Jessa graduated, I also “graduated” from high school and took a teaching position at the University of Utah in the Department of Theatre, where I continued to work with Jessa on occasion, since she was enrolled as a musical theatre major. This is also where I met Keaton, who was a musical theatre major, as well. I served as Keaton’s primary voice professor for the last two years of her degree program, during which she also proved to be a dedicated student, an expressive artist, and a kind soul. 

When Jessa and Keaton started dating, becoming college sweethearts, it was clear from the beginning that they were an excellent match, having similar interests, similar backgrounds, and shared values. They were also quite mature as a couple, prioritizing family and close friendships and reveling in the connections of their chosen community. 

After they were engaged, I was honored to be asked to serve as the minister at their wedding to help usher them into married life. When we learned that they were pregnant with their first child, we couldn’t imagine two people who would be more loving and capable as parents. 

We continue to see each other regularly, enjoying meals together (I’ve taken to calling their son “Guacamole” due to his fondness for the condiment), introducing him to our rotating groups of foster kittens (and teaching him how to play…gently!), and playing with toy trucks in the living room. We also stay in touch over text and social media when we are not able to meet in person. In fact, not even the COVID-19 pandemic could keep us from seeing each other. When indoor meetings were not safe, we met for outdoor gatherings, tossing a ball back and forth with “Guacamole” and showing him all the vegetables in Erika’s garden. 

We have a standing annual gathering that dates back to before Jessa and Keaton were even married. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, they all come over to our house to help decorate for the Christmas season. This usually involves homemade cookies, our favorite Christmas albums, and lots of laughter. Since we started this tradition with Jessa, it has been so gratifying to first welcome Keaton to the celebration and now their beautiful family of three. We even continued the tradition in the pandemic year by shifting it to Zoom!

It is clear that their son adores both of his mothers, and the guidance and lessons they are providing him are endearing to watch. They introduce him to new experiences, people, animals, and foods every chance they get. They ensure his safety while also encouraging him to explore and find his own way. They honor his unique self and constantly nurture his confidence, courage, and curiosity. He is going to be an incredible big brother.

We have enjoyed tremendously our relationship with the Brock family. As their former teacher/professor, I am proud of how they have transitioned from student life to professional life while still prioritizing family and close relationships. We are grateful that they continue to include us in major life events as well as the everyday gatherings upon which lifelong relationships are built. As their family continues to grow, we are humbled to be part of the extended network that will continue to be here for them, lending support when needed, marking life’s milestones with them, and celebrating the joy of family—both biological and chosen—every chance we get. 

Sincerely,

Brian and Erika Manternach