August 3rd, Tuesday, "A Chain Forging Day"

There were a zillion things we had to do in order to be ready to leave America and go to Mongolia – renew drivers licenses and temple recommends, immunizations, get tax records in some kind of order, sort, move, cancel, change addresses, etc., etc., etc. But there was one thing which was THE MOST IMPORTANT of all the things we had to do – forge an eternal link in our family chain. We needed to make sure Grandma Williams’ ordinances were done for her so Don could be sealed to his mother.

There is a sweet Primary song written by Clive Romney entitled “A Never-ending Chain” which is probably Kristin’s favorite and one of mine:

A family should be a never-ending chain

Linking fathers and mothers to

Daughters and sons.

But only in the temple of the Lord

Can a never-ending chain be forged.

A man and wife can start a never-ending chain

When they’re sealed by the Spirit

And God’s Holy Word.

But only in the temple of the Lord

Can a never-ending chain be forged.

It has been one year since Don’s mother passed away on July 13, 2010. This required time permitted us to go to the temple and have her ordinances done for her. She never seemed to understand the gospel principles while living in this life yet she was a good soul, a good mother, a darling grandma, a wonderful and beloved friend, a darling lady. The Lord knows her heart and He has made this great provision of hope for blessings beyond the grave for her. Grandma may not have comprehended eternal truths in this life, but she did know the principles of kindness, honesty, friendship, loyalty and others. In mortality she learned how to be a nice person!! God alone will judge the intent of her heart in mortality. Don loves his mother. Her grandchildren love her. How could we think of not being with Grandma Williams in the next life??? She is not forsaken and doomed to Hell forever! And we don’t have to mourn her loss but only for a moment. What a loving Father in Heaven we have! How grateful we are to the Savior for His atonement which has made this possible!! We CAN be families forever!!!

Before leaving Yucca Valley, the youth went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead where one of the girls was proxy for Grandma. When we got to Troy and Bethany’s for our last visit before heading to the MTC and on to Mongolia, we went to the Rexburg Temple to have the rest of the ordinances performed. Grandma was sealed to Grandpa Al. She was sealed to her mother and father. And Don was sealed to Grandma and Grandpa. Don, Troy, Bethany and I took turns as proxies for all those involved. Just as the little song says, a man and wife were sealed, and mothers and fathers were sealed to daughters and sons. This work involved four generations of the family chain. It was a great day!!