A Big Day for Family!
When I write or talk of my spiritual experiences with family history and temple work, it seems I can’t find the words to express the exquisite events that happen. This event is not an exception. We were lucky enough to be able to attend Merlin’s daughter’s first time at the temple last Saturday. We didn’t even know if it was going to happen because there were so many cogs that had to fall into position for it to take place. We had planned on visiting that weekend anyway, and feel so blessed that everything worked out so that Canda and Thom would be able to attend the Saturday we were there. Saturday was Thom’s birthday. They will never forget that day.
Canda asked me to be her Escort. That is such an honor and I always love being someone’s escort for their first time at the temple. I know there are many people who love Canda and who could have been her escort. All along I told her to make it a matter of prayer as to who would be her escort. It is not a competition. It is her day and she should have the person who is selected by the spirit for her. Because of that, I told her, no one would feel bad if they weren’t chosen. Everyone will rejoice for her and Thom. Never the less, I did appreciate being her escort and participating in the experience with her. There were many spiritual happenings which can not be related, that strengthen my understanding and appreciation of temple worship. I will never forget the day!
But the party continues. . . .
Their ward has a terrific Family History Committee which prepares temple activities for the ward to participate in. Their Bishop had a plan for the entire ward to increase their temple attendance this year. This included being on the temple grounds or visitor center if that was what a person can do. Some members set goals for temple attendance.
Saturday was the ward’s special day. Members had prepared to attend anytime during the day, doing the work for which they felt most inspired and then meet for a chapel session at 1PM. Two of Canda and Thom’s friends, Bro and Sis Harrison, prepared to do some family sealings. We were excited when we found out we could participate, and also they said that I could bring some of my family names who needed sealing. This was wonderful because Jenny and I had been trying to get enough people together to do these sealings for weeks if not months! Here were 5 couples all together in one room with time enough to get these names done! How wonderful was that?!
Grandma has her children now and Dad is sealed to his mother and father. This is a quote from Suzanne Harrison, Canda and Thom's friend; “Testimonies were increased as to how important these covenants are....for all our families....for every person!!!! Someone in the session mentioned (while the officiator was trying to get the whole "family" arraigned properly and it was taking some extra time and all) something to do with ...at least it wasn't a live session....and the officiator stopped and said...(cheerfully) "but, it is!" We did work...just our little group...for many, many people in our collective families.”
Thom felt that my Dad was there and was very happy that this sealing of him to his parents was finally accomplished. It seems they were waiting on me. How many more are waiting. . . .
Dad as a baby with big sister, Vella Clarice. They are now sealed to their parents.
Then the party continues. . . .
We went with Canda and Thom to their Sunday services. What a wonderful ward they have. We loved the spirit there.
Afterward, Thom and Canda had a party for their friend Suzanne and Thom’s birthdays which happened that weekend. Thom cooked his famous steaks and we had a great time.
It was the best weekend ever!
