Temple Trip

Yesterday, a small group of friends came with me down to the Manti Temple. This is "my" temple, so it's always so fun to go there. But this was an extra special occasion.

I know the picture above is really not all that great. I was taking a picture of a picture. But the little lady in the middle is Rosemary. I had the great privilege of teaching her on the mission and was able to see her get baptized. She was such a spitfire. I love it! And I love her and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to know her. I found out not too long ago that she passed away last March. Since that time, I have had the feeling of her prodding me forward to get her work done for her and her family. We had begun working on this when I was in New York 4 years ago. But nothing has ever been done. After getting the go-ahead from a few different people, I was able to do the temple work done for her, her parents, her grandparents, and an uncle and aunt. It was such a great experience and it means a lot that I've been able to continue to be a part of Rosemary's life and progression in the gospel.

My parents were so great to be willing to come up and help me out. It was extra special to have them there with me and stand in for Rosemary's parents as I stood in for her. Here's the friends that came with me!
I do have to thank my roommate Hilary for this picture. I really loved the growing flowers alongside the temple. That's one of the great things about spring. And it was very fitting to me for this weekend as well. And putting this all together with Easter last weekend. Because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, death - the winter of life - has no permanent hold on us. Spring will come and flowers will always bloom again. We will live again. Those who have gone on before can and will be with us again. It offers such hope and such extreme happiness! The Gospel's true folks!

And, not that this has much to do with anything, but what is a trip to Manti/Ephraim without getting some Fat Sticks! Such good stuff.