Jodie

Sometimes things happen that are so special that its hard to share in words the feelings one has inside. I once told someone that I had been dreaming of this day for years, then months, weeks, days. To be living through this time... And now, they are memories..

Memories filled with warmth, family, togetherness, and sacredness.
It started with Jodie, my youngest, becoming active and working on going to the Temple for her own Endowments.

Jodie and her boyfriend, Tom, drove from Lake Havasue City, Arizona, to our home in Utah. They arrived Tues night, and have to be back to work Sat. So this was going to be a fast week.

Wed. Morning, Tom, Jodie and myself, drove from Grantsville to Pauli's home in Salt Lake City, in Tom's Cherry Red Mustang car. We picked up Pauli and drove to the White Elegance store in Sandy, to try to find a Temple Dress for Jodie.

White Elegance had some very beautiful dresses, and Jodie found one in her tiny size that she was looking for. She looked so Beautiful, all dressed in white. We all agreed, it was the most perfect dress for her. We also found a beautiful dress that seemed to fit Pauli's personality, and looked absolutely beautiful on her.

Lunch was needed to keep our driver happy, as it is not the easiest to follow three women around shopping. So we stoped at a Chinese restaurant for a light lunch, then off to the LDS Distribution Center on Redwood Road.

At the LDS Distribution Center Jodie received the rest of her Temple clothing. I am sure she was quite overwhelmed with everything.

A few things always fall in ones path when they are trying to go to the Temple. One of the things that happened at this time, happened about two blocks away from Pauli's house. The car started overheating, and refused to run any farther. We were all surprised as the car had been worked on, and was ready to go on the trip. I was surprised how calm Tom was, when this problem came up, he was repeating "the motor is fried, I fried the motor". I have found most men to be loud, and showing their frustration at a car's break down. However many prayers were sent to heaven from inside the car and one was sent from outside.

James, Pauli's Husband, came. The car had cooled enough that we were able to drive to Pauli's house. James talking to Tom said "I can fix anything, but you have to tell me what to fix". That is very true, James is very good with his hands.

They called David, my son, who works as a auto mechanic, and asked him about the car. He said to feel the top water hose. It was hot. Then feel the bottom water hose. It was cold. The thermostat was stuck and needed to be replaced. James and Tom came back with a new thermostat from a car parts, and replaced it. The car was running again, and it seemed to have taken about thirty minutes or so... That was another blessing.

Jodie and Tom had been invited, by Pauli and David, to attend a Haidong Gumdo class, A class of marshell arts, using sords, they decided to go.

I found the Haidong Gumdo class to be most interesting for me, because all were black belts, except for Jennifer who is a blue belt at this time. Pauli and David are both black belts. Jodie and Tom were given the first class lesson and seemed to enjoyed the class.

There were lots of warm feelings, as the family enjoyed a evening just being together, having fun and working out in a physical workout class. It didn't matter if they were all at different levels, they just enjoyed doing something together.

Thursday Morning, Temple Day.
First thing Thursday morning I hemmed Jodie's dress. I was not able to do the outside dress as I did not have enough time. but the most important one was done.

Jodie had to be at the Salt Lake Temple by 11:30 am. The bridge on North Temple, that covered the railroad tracks, was closed due to construction, so we had to go around it.

To our surprise we met Pauli and James on the elevator, in the car garage. under the Conference Center. We were able to walk into the Temple together. Jodie, Pauli, James, Lynn and myself. Tom still has about 3 to 4 weeks before his appointment with his Bishop for a Temple recommend interview.

Jennifer's babysitter canceled, Tom was willing to watch Jen's two girls, Sarah, five, and Violet, one and a half, for about five hours, walking around Temple square, so that Jennifer could attend with her sister Jodie. I feel he deserves a platinum Halo for wonderful service.

It is incomprehensible Joy for a parent to be in the Temple with their children, all dressed in white. As you share with them, the teachings, and promises the Lords has given.
Pauli and I were Jodie's Escorts. Jennifer came in with the main group and was seated a couple of rows behind us.
I was surprised to see how small the number of people were in attendance, usually the room is filled. This made it real nice for Jodie.

To be in the Celestral room where someone from the family says "group hug!" and automatic the family gathers together for one big hug. It felt so good. I wondered if heaven will feel so good like that.

We also visited the sealing room where this family was started when Lynn and I were married.
We missed Launie and David, as they were not in attendance.
I look forward to the time when our whole family will be together, in the Temple.