Another Awesome Day to Match Yesterday's Tender Mercies and Recollections

I focused today on learning what the meaning of the ordinances are that we do in the temple. I am amazed of the concepts that I had never considered and learned. It is true, that we are literally taught from on high when we are within the walls of the holy temples. It is my witness that all that is needed is to ask, whether it is in prayer or thought. I know God is omnipotent and hears our prayers and thoughts. Incredible.

I saw so many people that I knew and even had a sister, Syd C., from son, Hank's ward who agreed to do one of the temple names I had. Two more down for today. One of the most rewarding things I felt was seeing my bishop there as we both got there at the same time. He was in the same session as I was and several other ward members as well. I felt so much love for them and the feeling of unity being there with them.

As I was leaving I picked up another temple schedule for my bag. Then I saw a former ward member when my Dad, Carlos was in the ward with me. Brother Verl Doman stood at the front recommend desk. He was so cheerful and so glad to see me, he gave me a hug as he walked to meet me. He glowed as usual, he has such a spiritual light about him, really. He actually taught Grandpa Rodriguez as he was our ward mission leader. He spoke so kindly of my dad, and we reminisced about those memories. It felt so good to see him and Susan and recall my gratitude for all that he did for my dad when he was so teachable while living with me, but then moved to Idaho.

To continue the saga about Grandpa's Temple work:

Verl and Susan had returned from their mission in England with Public Affairs several months after my dad had passed away. I ended up asking him if he wanted to baptized Carlos and he answered in the affirmative, anytime. I told him he would have to wait for the anniversary of a year from Daddy's death.

This was in late June 2004, so we would have to wait until September to perform his baptism. Verl gave me his phone number, and I wrote it in my scriptures facing the title page to be sure not to lose the number to call when it came time. Well, the time came so Aaron was proxy and Bro Doman performed the baptism at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple one day after the anniversary of his passing.

The rest of the temple work would have to wait per son, Hank's request until came back from Cuba on leave the following month. It was a great time for me, and all of us to finally have my sealing to my parents and my deceased brothers'; and grandparents and for my own parents to be sealed to each other as husband and wife forever. I have a family tradition to enjoy a feast party each year to give recognition of that marvelous day. I try to have tamales and traditional Mexican food in their memory. The anniversary is two days before, El Dia de Los Muertos. Or All Souls Day and the day before Hallowed Eve aka Halloween.

I am so grateful for the blessing it is to have these ordinances as a welding link to connect our families forever.