I’ll never forget the poignant moment immediately following my marriage to BT as I embraced my father in the sealing room of the Provo Temple, tears of joy streaming down our faces. He said, “Remember when you asked if you deserved to be happy?”
Yes. I remember. I remember everything about that phone call to my dad, seven years ago, as I grappled with heart-wrenching turmoil of eternal significance. Tears of godly sorrow streamed down my face as I asked “Do I deserve to be happy?” And even though he answered in the affirmative, the pain was so intense and the emotional scars so deep, I did not believe that I could ever be happy again.
On Sunday, as I read Ariana’s tender Father’s Day message penned to BT, I was reminded again of how incredibly BLESSED and HAPPY our family is.
In every sense of the word, BT has indeed made Ariana his daughter.
I am a living witness that there is no wound so deep that it cannot be healed by the Atonement and no life so tattered that it cannot be mended by divine intervention.
Beautiful. I’m so happy for you and your beautiful family and love to read your adventures together!
Lori,
Your post brought tears to my eyes. You are such an amazing woman and I look up to you in so many ways. You DO deserve to be happy and I am so glad that you are. You have a beautiful family.
I remember some of those dark days….you do deserve to be happy and I am so glad you all are. What a sweet message from Ari!
Though I can’t remember the exact family gathering, I vividly recall the joy I felt when your dad announced that you were getting married again. It was a testimony to me of that hope of a better world that Moroni speakes of. I was so grateful for the tender mercy shown to my dear cousin–a demonstration of how much He loves you for your good life.
Beautiful. I read this and wish to utter a reverent “Amen”. So happy for you and her and him.
I love reading your blog.
Tender words and a reminder to all of us how much the Lord loves us and wants us to be happy. You deserve every ounce of joy!