Hallie had a very special day this week as she made covenants in the Mesa temple.
She has touched this temple so many times over the years.
I think one of the most memorable touches was when our family was in the celestial room when the Mesa temple was rededicated a few years ago. Words can’t describe that experience and it will always hold a special place in my kids’ hearts.
After that experience (when the temple opened again after being closed for three years), Hallie had frequent touches.
She would get up early before school to do baptisms with friends.
After work, she would frequently drive by and sit in the parking lot of the temple.
And it seems like the last year, her temple attendance has increased even more – with friends preparing to serve missions and Hunter who was now old enough to baptize – she always had an invitation and she was there frequently.
She has touched this temple and it has touched her.
And now she has an even greater understanding and love.
Steve advised her to think of the people she loved and who would love to be there to support her and to invite them. I wish we could have snapped a picture of all who were in attendance but instead we snapped a picture with those who walked out with us. 🙂 Steve’s parents and four of his siblings and several spouses were able to join us. Our good friends, her substitute grandparents (those that stepped in when we didn’t have grandparents living here), church leaders, parents of her good friends – they all adore her and it was quite a sight to see them waiting for her in the celestial room of the temple. (She had several people she’s very close with who weren’t in town or able to join and even then she felt their love and support).
She was glowing and I want to remember her tear filled eyes and smile as she embraced her dad and then went on to give everyone hugs.
It was a special day and a memorable touch.
