Pearls

Our little Gwen is eight years old. Her dad baptized her on Saturday. It was a lovely day, peaceful, happy, and spent with family. She and a little girl in our ward share a birthday, so they shared their baptism day as well. It was a very sweet meeting. About ten little girls, neighbors and cousins of both girls, including Bethany, Gwen, and Catherine, sang "Baptism". Gwen looked like a little angel in her white dress holding hands with two of her friends who were also wearing their baptism dresses. It was one of those moments that just "fills your heart with love" like the old crab apple tree in Ferron in full bloom. My dad gave a beautiful and simple sermon on baptism and our Savior. The other girl's aunt talked about the Holy Ghost and all the blessings he can bring to our lives (Comforter, light, knowledge, protection, etc.) Matthew gave her a beautiful blessing; I wish she could remember every word throughout her life. She remembered the most important part today when she bore her testimony in Sacrament Meeting that she knew she could be married in the temple someday. She has started on her path to the temple, her own eternal family, and salvation.

I love her so much. I want every happiness for her. I know that the greatest happinesses in my life have come from keeping the commandments and following the prophets. I hope that Gwen grows up knowing where to find true happiness.

You are the trip I did not take;
You are the pearls I cannot buy;
You are my blue Italian lake;
You are my piece of foreign sky.

(Anne Campbell)

These are the greatest joys in my life, the reasons for me to try harder each day, to prioritize my time, to serve and love and do my best. These are the ones who I only need to think of to bring me back on course when worldly sirens call. These dear ones give me hope for the future when I am discouraged. They make me proud and they make me humble. I am grateful for them, for my Gwen girl, my Bethany, my Cate, my Henry. & I am grateful for my good husband, who I sometimes take for granted because he is such a part of me, so steady and constant.

These are the moments of life that give us glimpses into eternity and make it all worth it. Thanks to all those who shared this special day with us & even more, thanks to all of you who have taught & influenced for good & loved Matthew & me and our family. Thank you for sharing this journey with us and for helping us along.