Taylorsville Temple for Caitlyn

 

Caitlyn has been thinking about going through the temple for a while.  She has been very thoughtful about it and wanted to make sure it was the right time for her. 

Since grandma passed away she has felt a draw to spiritual things.  She has been praying and reading her scriptures more consistently and feeling a desire to go to the temple. 

She has been talking to Jonah about going to the temple and he has been encouraging her to do it. 

Moving back to Provo has been a good move for Caitlyn.  She has reconnected with her high school friends who all just came home from missions and enjoyed getting involved in the singles ward with them.

Caitlyn decided she wanted to go through the Taylorsville temple on grandma's birthday. 

Caitlyn went through the 7 PM session so we asked grandpa to come early so we could get some pictures with him while it was still light. 

Caitlyn has always looked up to grandma and grandpa spiritually.  She has been talking to grandpa about going to the temple and he has helped her with her fears and concerns.  Her relationship with her grandparents is so important to her.  She does a great job at making relationships a priority. 

We were surprised and excited when Gary decided to fly in to come with us.  It was great to have him here. 

He came over early with dad so we were able to get a few pictures with him.

Caitlyn had a dream recently that she went to the temple and grandma was there. In the dream a temple worker told Caitlyn that her grandma wanted her to wear her veil and Caitlyn happily did that.  Caitlyn has been worried about grandma since she passed away and prays every night that she is healthy, happy and safe. In her dream grandma came over to her and hugged her and told her that the last few months of her life were hard, but she was happy, healthy and safe now.  In her dream I couldn't see my mom so grandma told Caitlyn to tell me that she loves me.  The dream brought Caitlyn a lot of comfort and was an answer to her prayers. 

It was very special for me to escort my daughter through the temple. Caitlyn had a great experience and when we were leaving after it was over she said, "that was the best decision I ever made."

Elena snapped this picture when we were all walking out.  Caitlyn invited a lot of people who we didn't get a picture with.  Mrs. Hoffman, Kaleb, Kiersten, Rebekah, Alisha, and Shannon all came to support her.  It meant a lot to her and to me. I'm glad she has so many people who love and care about her. 

After the temple we went over to grandpa's for ice cream and to visit for a bit.  It was a very late night, but I'm glad I had some time to visit since everyone was here for such a short time. 

It was special to have Matt, Lori, Cody and Elena here for it. 

We were so glad Lindy came too!

My mom was so excited about this Taylorsville Temple. She talked about the progress constantly while it was being built. A few years ago Caitlyn bought her a necklace with a stone from the Taylorsville Temple for her birthday and mom loved it. Caitlyn has that necklace now and wore it last night. It has been very cool to see grandma continue to love and help Caitlyn from the other side of the veil. Caitlyn misses her so much and the grief is so hard, but having the knowledge that we will see her again and that because of Christ we can be together forever is such a blessing. 

The temple has always been a source of peace and a refuge for me. I'm so grateful that Caitlyn felt that peace last night. She told me that she has never felt the spirit like that. I'm so proud of Caitlyn for preparing herself and having a desire to make covenants with God and grow closer to Him.