Special Moments...

My dad came up to spend a few days with us from Price, and for a VERY special reason. Jake and I got to go to the temple with him after 18 years of my dad's inactivity in the church.

Some of you may know that my dad is a two time cancer survivor. His most recent cancer was tongue cancer and he almost didn't make it last August. It was a tough time for him and I know without a doubt that all things happen for a reason. The Lord knows each of us so personally and He knew that this was a trial my dad could handle and come out with a new perspective on life. After 18 years of not being able to go to the temple, he became active again and got his temple recommend in 5 months. He asked that Jake and I be with him when he went through the temple again, for the 1st time :) It really was an amazing experience for us. I've never seen my dad inside the temple walls before and what an amazing sight that was to see.

To know that all four of Lydia's grandparents are worthy temple recommend holders is such a wonderful thing. It's nice to see the great example they are for their children and grandchildren. Here's Jake and dad coming out after our session at the Draper Temple.

My father, after 18 years of not going to the temple just proves to anyone who's given up that it doesn't matter how old you are, how many mistakes you've made, what trials you've been given in your life or how far you've gone in the wrong direction...it's NEVER too late to make that change. In my dad's eye, juse one short year ago, it was just "too much work for this old man" but all that changed when he felt the spirit again and made it back inside those glorious temple walls.

I am so proud of my father for making the decisions he's made over the past year. Our relationship hasn't always been a close one but I am so happy we've reconnected and that he chose Jake and I to be the ones to go through the temple with him again. Seeing my dad make those covenants to the Lord and to see him walk into the Celestial room was a feeling I know I'll never forget. He was beaming with the spirit and I couldn't be happier for him. It's been a long road but he finally found his way back and that's what matters.

The very first temple dedication my dad ever went to was the Draper Temple dedication and so for sentimental reasons, he chose this temple to be the first he goes through :)

I love you dad and I couldn't be happier for you. Sometimes it takes a lot to wake a person up and that was definitely your story. It's wonderful to see you happy again.

We had a nice two day visit while he was here and we were glad he could come up to visit and go through the temple. Of course, Lydia finally warmed up to him on the last day but with time, that gap will get smaller and smaller. We love you dad and we are so proud of you and

THANK YOU

for being such a great example of strength and faith for our little girl. I look forward to seeing the relationship between you and my little family grow.